Safaricom’s Digifarm Platform Aims to Connnect Farmers to Markets and Services
The service aims to provide tailor-made digital solutions and services directly on farmers’ phones.
Digifarm, a subsidiary of Safaricom, is set on empowering Kenyan farmers through technology, drawing inspiration from the success of M-PESA in driving financial inclusion at the grassroots. Seema Gohil, Director of Digifarm, explained that the platform envisions a future where digital tools transform agriculture across the country.
“Today, everybody can access mobile money on their phone. That is the vision for Digifarm. Twenty-five years from now, I want you to look back and see how technology will have transformed agriculture in this country. Eighty percent of our food is from smallholder farmers, so we must enable them. Technology is the way to do it.”
– Seema Gohil, Director, Digifarm
The platform is open to all farmers in Kenya, regardless of location or farm size. Farmers can register by dialing *944# on any feature or smartphone, with proof of farming activity validated by a Digifarm agent. The service aims to provide tailor-made digital solutions and services directly on farmers’ phones.
Digifarm operates through two main arms: Kilimo and Soko. Kilimo, the agriculture arm, combines AI technology, partnerships, and farmer services to meet the end-to-end needs of smallholder farmers. It provides access to digital extension services, farm inputs, financial inclusion, and capacity-building training.
Soko, the marketplace arm, connects farmers directly to buyers, cooperatives, and processors across different value chains. It also offers market-related services such as digital tracking of sales and inventory, sales records to qualify for future credit, and instant payments via M-PESA.
Safaricom, which has driven financial inclusion in Kenya and Africa through M-PESA, now seeks to play a central role in transforming agriculture through agritech. Michael Mutiga, Chief Business Development and Strategy Officer at Safaricom, emphasized the importance of supporting farmers:
“The entire ecosystem of farmers in this country needs support. Farming involves nearly half the population and contributes nearly a third of the GDP. Ensuring farmers thrive is critical to our success as Safaricom and to the economic success of the country.”
– Michael Mutiga, Chief Business Development and Strategy Officer, Safaricom
For farmers, Digifarm aims to be a simple and trusted digital companion. For banks, agribusinesses, and other stakeholders, it provides a platform with data, scale, and direct access to millions of farmers. For Safaricom, Digifarm is a key subsidiary in its mission to become Africa’s leading purpose-led technology company by 2030.
