Market Spotlight: Miharati Market

Located in Kipipiri sub-county in Nyandarua, Kenya, Miharati Market is a vibrant rural marketplace that plays a vital role in the region’s agricultural economy. Founded in 2002, this market has grown steadily and is now connected to more than three farming communities, supporting over 10,000 farmers and traders. Its strategic positioning and close ties with […]

Partnerships for Markets in Africa

When we first set out to digitize agricultural trade through Amana Market, we quickly learned something important: technology alone doesn’t fix inefficiencies. Markets are living systems—held together by trust, habits, relationships, and a constant flow of goods and people. If we were serious about making these systems stronger and more inclusive, we needed more than […]

Building Stronger Connections In African Markets

Yakubu is a hardworking farmer in Jigawa State. Every week, he loads his bags of millet and groundnuts onto a borrowed motorcycle and travels to his local market—a dusty, bustling hub that has served generations before him. There, amidst the noise and activity, Yakubu sells his produce, sometimes trading hundreds of thousands of naira in […]

Market Spotlight: City Park Market

City Park Market, located on Limuru Road in Nairobi, Kenya, has been a crucial trading hub since its founding in 1932. The market serves as a central point for small-scale traders and vendors who rely on its ecosystem for their daily business operations. It is directly connected to several farming communities, including Kinungi, Kimende, and […]

The Role and Rise of Women in Trade and Leadership in Africa

Markets in Africa are built on networks of small businesses, many of which are heavily populated by women. In agricultural markets signed up on Amana Market, women make up over 56% of traders, actively shaping local economies through their entrepreneurial efforts. Yet, despite their numbers, we observed that 98% of market leadership positions in these […]

The Impact of the Situation in Niger Republic on Local Markets

A quiet day at MaiGatari Market, Jigawa State, Nigeria The coup that took place in Niger Republic on 26th July 2023, has sent shockwaves rippling through West Africa. ECOWAS’ strong opposition to the self-declared military government has led to rising tensions within the bloc, with Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea breaking from the joint position […]

A New Frontier: Data and Trade in African Markets

In Africa, where trade holds immense potential for unlocking economic prosperity, harnessing the power of data is critical. Data and insights can play a pivotal role in facilitating seamless exchange and driving growth in markets. Unfortunately, Africa suffers from a general paucity of data, particularly when it comes to local trade. The lack of access […]

The Importance of Trust in Agriculture

by Ruth Kinuthia In the agricultural business, interactions between farmers and consumers, supply chains, and regulatory frameworks are just a few of the areas where trust is significant. For the following main reasons, trust is essential in agriculture: Building trust is crucial to guaranteeing food safety. Farmers and food producers are relied upon by consumers […]

Fields of Trust

In the sun-kissed plains of Northern Nigeria, you will find a myriad of vibrant communities of farmers. Among them in the community of Jahun, a diligent farmer, Aminu, is known for his unwavering commitment and humble spirit. As the seasons come and go, Aminu’s journey unfolds, revealing the profound significance of trust in the lives […]

The Farmer’s Community

From the little time I have spent on Earth, I have had the privilege of witnessing the magic of various professions. However, the profession that has spurred my interest the most is farming. A long time ago, I attempted to join my grandmother at her farm and as you can imagine it did not go […]