When Keiran Smith co-founded Twiga Foods in 2014, his vision was to tackle one of Africa’s most pressing challenges—inefficient supply chains that left smallholder farmers struggling to access markets while urban consumers faced high food prices. Based in Kenya, Twiga Foods has become a leading agritech company, connecting farmers directly to vendors and ensuring that fresh produce reaches urban centers efficiently.
Smith’s journey to founding Twiga Foods began with his background in logistics and a passion for leveraging technology to solve Africa’s food distribution issues. He recognized the high costs associated with fragmented agricultural supply chains, where multiple intermediaries often created inefficiencies and price hikes. Determined to build a streamlined solution, he co-founded Twiga Foods to bridge this gap, linking smallholder farmers directly with vendors through a tech-enabled platform.
Twiga Foods offers farmers a guaranteed market for their produce while giving vendors access to fresh food at more affordable prices. Since its inception, the company has worked with over 17,000 farmers and 8,000 vendors, revolutionizing how food is distributed across Kenya. By bypassing traditional supply chains, Twiga Foods has reduced wastage, minimized costs, and enhanced food security—a remarkable achievement in a market where such issues have long persisted.
Under Keiran Smith’s leadership, Twiga Foods has attracted significant investment, including a $23.75 million funding round led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC). With plans to expand across Africa, Smith envisions a future where technology drives inclusive, efficient supply chains, making affordable food accessible to millions.
Through Twiga Foods, Keiran Smith is proving that sustainable solutions in agriculture can create lasting impact, not only for farmers but for consumers across the continent. His work is a testament to the power of innovation in transforming Africa’s food supply chain and ensuring food security for generations to come.
