Nile.ag secures US$10.6M to expand agritech platform across SA
The digital marketplace plans to grow its input and finance offerings while linking more farmers to global buyers.
SOUTH AFRICA – Nile.ag, a South African agricultural technology platform, has raised R200 million (US$10.6 million) to grow its reach and services across Southern Africa.
The new investment round was led by the Cathay AfricInvest Innovation Fund, alongside FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank, and existing investor Platform Investment Partners.
Founded in 2021, Nile has already helped move over 225,000 tons of produce through its online marketplace.
The company expects this number to more than double in the next year as farmers adopt digital tools that lower transaction costs and improve transparency.
Nile started as a marketplace focused on fresh produce sales. It has since grown into a broader platform that includes agricultural inputs like seeds and fertilizer, credit support, packaging materials, and real-time data services.
Farmers can now manage nearly every part of their business using Nile’s system, from planting to selling their harvest.
“We’re building tools that give farmers control, visibility, and fair value for their produce,” said co-founder Louis de Kock. “The demand is clear, and we are now in a position to scale what’s working.”
Through the platform, farmers can also receive instant payments on delivery, helping them manage cash flow and avoid delays common in traditional markets. Nile’s model connects them directly with both local and international buyers, cutting down on fees and helping ensure product quality.
Large-scale buyers are also turning to Nile instead of relying on government markets. The platform has opened regional fulfilment centres to support logistics, including cold storage, which helps reduce post-harvest losses.
Expansion across borders
Nile has begun serving buyers in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, allowing Southern African farmers to sell to global markets. According to the company, this has created new earning paths for its users.
“The model Nile is using supports digital trade and strengthens connections across the agricultural value chain,” said Romain Py, Partner at the Cathay AfricInvest Innovation Fund. “It improves access to both markets and finance, which is where farmers need help the most.”
This latest round of funding will be used to grow Nile’s services across the region. The company plans to expand its inputs marketplace, add new finance options through partner banks, and improve its digital tools for both farmers and buyers.
A founding team with broad experience
Nile was created by Louis de Kock, Eugene Roodt, and Rick Kleynhans. Their experience spans major companies like Amazon, JP Morgan, and Luno. Their goal remains clear: to support African farmers with simple tools that help them trade and grow.
As Nile looks to its next phase, investor feedback points to its strong role in reshaping agricultural trade in the region. Linda Broekhuizen, Chief Investment Officer at FMO, added, “We believe Nile’s approach can help more farmers take part in digital markets and gain steady access to income and services.”
With strong support and growing demand, Nile is now set to scale its impact in Southern Africa and beyond.
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