Agric firm gets boost

• Published date: 24 January 2023
• Publication title: Nigeria - The Nation

For AgroEknor, an agro startup, the good times are here. The firm, which started from a humble beginning as an exporter of hibiscus flower, has hit the light with the Best Youth Exporter of The Year conferred on it by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).

The Executive Director, AgroEknor International Limited, Attah Anzaku, who received the award on behalf of the company during the NEPC gala nite in Lagos, said: 'This award recognises AgroEknor's commendable effort to transform the domestic food systems for increased export earnings while providing access to increased income earnings and quality input to smallholder farmers across Nigeria.'

The organisation invests in farmers in Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states in the form of input while also serving as off-takers after the crop has been harvested.

Also, the firm has its processing factory in Kano where it empowers over 100 women. These women are involved in the various segments across the processing value chain of the commodity.

Aruwa Capital Management, an early-stage growth equity firm, funding gender lens fund investment in Nigeria and Ghana, said it has made a follow-on investment into AgroEknor International.

In November 2021, Aruwa made an initial investment into the company to accelerate growth by procuring products and exporting huge volumes of hibiscus flowers to meet the demands of clients in Asia, Europe and North America. The company has since launched its...