eMsika, a Zambian agri-tech company founded in 2016, is on a mission to expand its operations into four additional markets following a period of notable growth and positive reception from its target audience.

Through their innovative FarmHouse app and a commitment to comprehensive support, eMsika has experienced impressive growth and is now positioned for exciting expansion plans.

Bridging the Gap for Smallholder Farmers

Co-founders Gilbert Mwale and Elton Chirwa recognised a critical gap in the market. Smallholder farmers, particularly those in urban areas, lacked access to user-friendly digital tools tailored to their specific needs.

Existing solutions often fell short, failing to provide the essential on-farm technical advice and high-quality inputs these farmers rely on.

Visa Backs ThriveAgric’s Kenyan Expansion

The FarmHouse Advantage

FarmHouse, eMsika’s core offering, goes beyond a simple e-commerce platform. It’s a comprehensive digital solution that caters to the multifaceted needs of poultry and livestock farmers. Here’s what sets FarmHouse apart:

Essential Inputs at Your Fingertips: Farmers can conveniently access chicks, feed, vaccines, and other crucial supplies directly through the app.
On-Farm Support: FarmHouse goes beyond just products. It offers valuable on-farm visit support, ensuring farmers receive the technical guidance they need for success.
Educational Resources: With built-in training modules, farmers can access up-to-date knowledge to enhance their farming practices.
Networking Opportunities: FarmHouse promotes connections between farmers, allowing them to share experiences and learn from each other.

Beyond the App: Expanding Services

eMsika’s commitment goes beyond the FarmHouse app. To further support its users, they’ve launched:

Farmhouse Plus Membership: This programme offers additional benefits and exclusive deals to registered farmers.
Physical Storefront: A brick-and-mortar store provides farmers with a convenient alternative to accessing essential supplies.
Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with multinational suppliers ensure a consistent supply of high-quality inputs.

Impressive Growth and Future Plans

With over 2,000 FarmHouse downloads and 8,000 farmers trained online, eMsika’s impact is undeniable. Fueled by this success, the company is setting ambitious expansion goals.

Tanzania, Nigeria, Egypt, and Zimbabwe are all on the horizon, with plans to leverage their successful Poultry Manager feature to take root in these new markets. Partnerships are key to this expansion, and eMsika is actively seeking collaboration opportunities.

African Development Fund Grants $43 Million to Ethiopian Youth and Women-Led Businesses

Financial Backing and Future Funding

eMsika’s journey has been fueled by a combination of equity investments, grants, and strategic partnerships. Having raised $150,000 since inception, they are currently seeking an additional $50,000 to support marketing, technology advancement, and key hires.

eMsika’s story is an inspiration for the agri-tech industry. By focusing on the specific needs of smallholder farmers and providing a comprehensive solution that goes beyond products, they are empowering individuals and transforming the agricultural landscape in Zambia.

With their ambitious expansion plans and commitment to continuous growth, eMsika is well-positioned to become a leading force in African agri-tech.