Sahel Capital Backs MM LEKKER with $400,000 to Boost Agricultural Growth in Benin

Sahel Capital has provided a $400,000 working capital loan to MM LEKKER, a leading agribusiness in Benin, through its Social Enterprise Fund for Agriculture in Africa (SEFAA). This funding will support MM LEKKER in expanding market access, optimizing supply chains, and reducing post-harvest losses for smallholder farmers.

Empowering Farmers and Enhancing Market Access

MM LEKKER specializes in the trade of soya beans, shea nuts, and cashew nuts, serving both local and international markets. Over the years, the company has built a strong network of smallholder farmers across northern Benin, helping them connect directly with buyers. By providing storage solutions, MM LEKKER ensures that farmers can reduce losses and sell their produce at more favorable market conditions, leading to higher earnings.

Aicha Haidara, Vice President at Sahel Capital, emphasized the critical role MM LEKKER plays in the region:

“MM LEKKER plays a crucial role in strengthening smallholder farmers’ economic stability in Benin. The agricultural supply chain in the region remains highly fragmented, with farmers facing multiple intermediaries before reaching end buyers. MM LEKKER’s direct-to-market model significantly shortens this distance, allowing farmers to secure fairer prices and reinvest in future harvests. By working with MM LEKKER, buyers can contribute to sustainable economic impact, ensuring that smallholder farmers, the backbone of Benin’s agricultural sector, thrive.”

Scaling Agricultural Impact Through Strategic Investment

According to Ahimakin Armel Theodore, CEO of MM LEKKER, smallholder farmers remain the backbone of Benin’s agricultural industry but face significant challenges, including limited market access, price instability, and inefficient supply chains.

“Smallholder farmers produce a significant portion of Benin’s agricultural output, yet they often struggle with limited market access, price volatility, and inefficient value chains. Since its inception, MM LEKKER has successfully connected over 1,000 farmers to local and international buyers, ensuring better trading opportunities and stable pricing. Our partnership with SEFAA marks a major milestone in scaling our impact, optimising supply chains, and empowering farmers to build more resilient and profitable livelihoods. This collaboration aligns with our vision of transforming Benin’s agricultural trade, making it more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive for farmers, buyers, and investors alike.”

A Stronger Future for Benin’s Agricultural Economy

With Sahel Capital’s investment, MM LEKKER is set to broaden its reach, strengthen supply chains, and create more economic opportunities for smallholder farmers. By ensuring fairer pricing, better storage solutions, and direct access to buyers, this partnership will drive sustainable growth in Benin’s agricultural sector.

This funding represents a significant step toward a more resilient and profitable agricultural ecosystem, benefiting farmers, traders, and investors alike.