Tanzanian agri-tech venture MazaoHub has closed a US$2 million pre-seed round to accelerate its climate-smart farming platform across Africa.
Founded to support smallholder farmers with both digital tools and in-field expertise, MazaoHub combines AI-powered soil analysis, farm management systems, farmer service centres, and direct market linkages. Its hybrid “tech-and-touch” model aims to increase yields while lowering costs and environmental impact.
According to the company, its solutions can help farmers cut fertiliser use by up to 30 per cent, expand the use of organic manure, and improve irrigation efficiency—resulting in higher output with reduced emissions, water use, and energy demand.
The funding package includes US$1.5 million in equity, led by Catalyst Fund with backing from Nordic Impact Fund, Mercy Corps Ventures, elea Foundation, Impacc, and DOB Equity. An additional US$500,000 in non-dilutive capital came from the Livelihood Impact Fund, reflecting growing interest in blended finance models for climate adaptation.
The capital will be used to scale production of MazaoHub’s low-cost soil kits and sensors, expand its network of Farmer Excellence Centres, and roll out its digital marketplace CropSupply.com, which is currently in pilot phase.
“MazaoHub enables farmers to make data-driven decisions, strengthens market traceability for buyers, and supports agribusinesses to operate as climate-smart franchises,” said Geophrey Tenganamba, co-founder and chief executive officer.
Catalyst Fund’s founder and managing partner Maelis Carraro added that the startup demonstrates how African agriculture can integrate digital insights with local expertise to promote sustainable farming at scale.