Ghana is set to become Africa's inaugural AI-powered agricultural hub, following a significant $100 million investment commitment from the Japanese agri-tech firm Degas Limited. This four-year initiative, announced in August 2025, aims to revolutionize Ghana's agricultural sector by boosting crop yields, increasing farmer incomes, and enhancing national food security.
Degas Limited, which has been operating in Ghana since 2019, will utilize its established AI-driven platform. This platform employs advanced satellite monitoring and precision agriculture techniques to support smallholder farmers. The company has a proven track record, having already provided financial assistance to over 86,000 farmers, cultivating approximately 122,000 acres. This support has led to a doubling of farmer incomes and a remarkable 95% loan repayment rate, demonstrating the effectiveness of their integrated approach.
The substantial investment will enable Degas to scale its operations, further developing AI technologies for improved yield forecasting, optimized resource management, and reduced production risks. President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana lauded the investment as a "strong vote of confidence in Ghana's vision for integrated, technology-enabled agriculture." He highlighted that the initiative aligns with national strategies to modernize agricultural value chains and generate dignified employment opportunities, particularly for the youth.
This development emerged from the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), a key forum where Japanese investors expressed considerable interest in African ventures. Over 100 Japanese companies indicated their intention to explore new opportunities on the continent, signaling a broader trend of Japanese engagement in Africa's economic development. This influx of Japanese investment is anticipated to attract further international capital into West Africa's rapidly growing agricultural technology sector.
The global market for AI in agriculture is projected for substantial growth. Sub-Saharan Africa's agri-food tech landscape has seen a significant rise in private investment, increasing from less than $10 million in 2014 to approximately $600 million in 2022, according to World Bank data. This positions Ghana as a pioneer in adopting cutting-edge solutions to address critical development challenges, fostering a ripple effect that could attract more Japanese investors seeking to tap into Africa's vast agricultural potential. By integrating advanced technologies, Ghana aims to enhance its agricultural output and serve as a model for sustainable and technologically advanced farming practices across the African continent, contributing to greater food security and economic prosperity.