British International Investment (BII), said it had committed $7.5 million to Babban Gona, an agricultural organisation in Nigeria, to enhance food security and climate resilience for smallholder farmers in Northern Nigeria.
Northern Nigeria produces 50 to 60 per cent of the country’s maize, but smallholder farmers face persistent challenges that limit their productivity and income. Many cultivate small plots of land, with limited access to finance, quality inputs, agronomic training, and reliable markets. These constraints are compounded by growing exposure to climate risks such as floods and droughts, further threatening yields and income stability. These challenges contribute to post-harvest losses of up to 30 per cent, worsening regional food insecurity.
Babban Gona’s offering is designed to overcome these structural barriers by providing comprehensive end-to-end services for smallholders via its AI-powered platform.
These include high-quality agricultural inputs, financial credit, training on climate-smart practices, and support with harvest, storage, and access to market.
Speaking at the fund announcement held in Lagos, the British deputy high commissioner, Jonny Baxter, said the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership Agreement is rooted in this principle, recognising that private sector investment is vital for Nigeria’s growth.
According to him, developing the agricultural sector is crucial as it is a key vehicle for enhancing job creation, business investment, women’s economic empowerment, climate resilience, and food and nutrition security.
Baxter noted that the British International Investment (BII) investment is poised to enhance Babban Gona’s impact and success, contributing significantly to their already impressive journey.
“BII’s approach to investment in Nigeria reflects a strategic alignment with the country’s priorities, offering real additionality in development finance,” he stated.
UK Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Florence Eshalomi said, “BII’s $7.5 million investment into Babban Gona will help scale an innovative, tech-enabled model that empowers farmers with access to finance, training, and services, boosting yields and incomes while building climate resilience.”
Eshalomi added that “from early-stage UK support through Propcom Maikarfi to this milestone investment, Babban Gona’s journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when we invest in Nigeria’s agricultural future. This partnership reflects the UK-Nigeria commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth.”
West Africa regional director and head of the Office for Nigeria at BII, Benson Adenuga, said, ” Our partnership with Babban Gona is a great example of how BII is using catalytic capital to support innovative, high-impact business models that transform lives and economies.
“By backing this pioneering franchise model, we are addressing a critical financing gap, helping to build a more resilient and productive agricultural sector, and supporting smallholder farmers in a region that investors often overlook. This investment will deliver tangible impact at scale, strengthening food security and climate resilience.”
The managing director, Babban Gona, Kola Masha, said, “The British government played an instrumental role in our story, becoming the first institutional investor in our 2013 public debt raise.
“Now, a little more than a decade later, to have British International Investment commit an amount 10x larger is a powerful testament to our shared vision for bettering the lives of smallholder farmers.”
