Equity Group Foundation gets Ksh.141M from Proparco to back climate-smart agriculture transition

Proparco, a subsidiary of Agence Française de Développement Group, signed an agreement with Equity Group on Wednesday, granting technical assistance of €1 million (about Ksh.141 million) to Equity Group Foundation (EGF) for the implementation of its “Climate Resilient Agri-Food Systems (CRAFS)” project.

The partnership aims to support small Kenyan farmers in adopting sustainable practices.

Equity Group Foundation (EGF) is a Kenya-based not-for-profit foundation established in 2008 as the social arm of Equity Group Holdings.

It seeks to transform the lives and livelihoods of the people of Africa. EGF implements high-impact development programs, such as the “Climate Resilient AgriFood Systems” (CRAFS) project, which will help Kenyan smallholder farmers adopt climate-smart agriculture (CSA).

This approach boosts productivity, enhances resilience to climate shocks, and reduces agricultural emissions through sustainable practices.

“The collaboration between France through Proparco and EGF will be key to supporting SMEs and entrepreneurship. This project illustrates that our steadfast partnership with Equity Group will allow local businesses to thrive and grassroots initiatives to emerge in sectors such as agriculture but also health, higher education, fintech and renewable energy. I commend Dr James Mwangi and Equity Group for our fruitful cooperation,” French Ambassador to Kenya, Arnaud Suquet, said.

Jean Guyonnet-Dupérat, Proparco’s Regional Director for East Africa, noted: “Proparco is very pleased to strengthen its partnership with a long-standing client and leading player on the African continent, Equity Group. Through its Foundation, Equity participates in concrete change by supporting Kenyan actors in agriculture, from small farmers to innovators. Our technical support backs this approach, and we thank EGF for its trust!”

On his part, Equity Group Managing Director and CEO, Dr James Mwangi, said: “This partnership with Proparco is another milestone in a journey of people and nations. It’s about farmers, families, communities and nations gaining the knowledge and support to thrive in a changing world.”

“By embracing climate-smart agriculture, we will empower farmers to increase their productivity, build resilience against climate shocks, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Smallholder farmers need support to mitigate agricultural risks, and we are committed to helping them navigate these challenges," he added.

The CRAFS project, led by EGF in collaboration with Equity Group, will provide training, financial access, and knowledge exchange to support small-scale producers.

A dedicated field team will ensure on-the-ground implementation, while suppliers and value chain actors play a key role in empowering farmers and micro-businesses.

Targeting 15,000 farmers annually engaged in livestock or crop value chains, the project will provide training, sensitization, access to finance, linkage and knowledge exchange around productive use of energy, sustainable production practices, waste to energy and water harvesting and management.