Root Capital
The Root Capital organization is a non-profit impact investment fund that provides financing and advisory services to agricultural enterprises in Africa and other developing regions. It aims to strengthen rural economies, support smallholder farmers, and increase access to markets.
Root Capital focuses on agri-businesses that serve smallholder farmers and producer organizations. It provides loans, working capital, and trade finance to businesses involved in crop production, processing, aggregation, and export. These financial services help enterprises scale operations, improve efficiency, and create more stable income for farmers.
In addition to financing, Root Capital offers advisory support to build management capacity, improve governance, and strengthen financial systems. This combination ensures that investees are not only financially stronger but also better positioned to achieve long-term impact.
In Kenya, Root Capital has supported coffee, tea, and horticulture cooperatives. Its funding helps these enterprises access better processing equipment, improve storage and logistics, and expand market reach. As a result, smallholders see higher incomes, reduced post-harvest losses, and increased participation in formal markets.
Root Capital prioritizes social and environmental standards. It encourages sustainable farming practices, gender inclusion, and climate-smart agriculture. Enterprises receiving support are guided to adopt environmentally responsible and socially inclusive practices.
Through its blended model of finance and advisory services, Root Capital strengthens the resilience of smallholder-focused agribusinesses. By increasing access to capital, building enterprise capacity, and supporting sustainable practices, Root Capital plays a critical role in promoting inclusive agricultural growth and food security in Kenya and across Africa.