The UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, British International Investment (BII) said it has committed $7.5million to an agricultural organisation in Nigeria, Babban Gona, 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, which further threaten yields and income stability. These challenges contribute to post harvest losses of up to 30 per cent, worsening food insecurity across the region.
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; including high-quality agricultural inputs, financial credit, training on climate-smart practices, and support with harvest, storage, and access to market.
Speaking at a media parley by BII 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 agriculture sector is particularly crucial as it serves as a key vehicle for enhancing job creation, business investment, women’s economic empowerment, climate resilience, and ensuring 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. BII announce a $7.5 million investment into Babban Gona, a pioneering social enterprise transforming smallholder agriculture in Nigeria.
“This investment 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,” UK Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Florence Eshalomi said.
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, inclusive growth, and I’m excited to see the impact it will generate.”
West Africa regional director and head of Office for Nigeria, 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.
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. “
