Harvest Forward: Scaling Agribusiness Innovation in Malawi & Zambia

Across Africa, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the connective tissue of the agricultural value chain. They move  inputs to farmers, aggregate harvests, and connect producers to local and regional markets. In doing so, they support rural livelihoods, strengthen food systems, and drive job creation across both farm and off farm segments. 

Despite their critical role, SMEs face persistent barriers that threaten their growth and resilience. These include unequal access to finance and digital tools, limited technical support, and structural gaps in gender inclusion, soil health, and water stewardship. Together, these constraints fragment the journey toward building resilient and inclusive agribusinesses. 

To address these challenges the  Alliance Bioversity International and CIAT  (ABC), in collaboration with the International Water Management Institute  (IWMI), under the CGIAR Scaling for Impact (S4I) science program,  led  a three-day participatory agribusiness bootcamp in Lilongwe, Malawi (6 – 8 August 2025) and Lusaka, Zambia (11 – 13 August 2025). ABC and IWMI co-facilitated the workshop, contributing specialist expertise on water, impact measurement and management, digital advisory and climate resilience. This bootcamp marked the start of an extended engagement process, including an invite to two of the agribusinesses to pitch at the ScaleUp Africa: Youth Innovation challenge at the Africa Food Systems Summit (AFSF) in Dakar, Senegal through AGRA’s Generation Africa, impact measurement, peer-to-peer knowledge exchange and facilitated connections to finance and market actors. 

A dynamic mix of 70 agribusinesses (44% women, 40% youth) and ecosystem actors gathered to translate science-based insights into bankable business models that drive resilient and inclusive growth. The essence of the bootcamp was to transform the space between science and agribusiness from a gap into a gateway, to serve as a channel through which research, innovation and capital flow in unison. Through the application of science-based technical and strategic support, it aimed to strengthen the commercial viability of innovations, reevaluate perceptions and assumptions regarding varied financing options, in efforts to accelerate investment readiness and identify pathways for scaling science-driven solutions with measurable impact. Some post-bootcamp highlights:

• Using the 2X Criteria methodology each agribusiness in attendance was guided on developing an individualized gender action plan, of which will be modified and put into practice with the guidance of Dr. Ojongetakah Enokenwa Baa and accompanied with regular update sessions.
• Additionally, post-bootcamp four agribusinesses focused on digital innovations where invited to take part in the Multidimensional Digital Inclusiveness Index (MDII) assessment aimed at promoting access and inclusivity in digital innovations within agricultural systems, led by Dr. Felix Opola. Resultantly, the innovators have expressed interest in a peer-to-peer webinar across the two countries of assessment (namely, Kenya and Zambia), aimed at sharing insights, experiences and the development of strategies that promote digital inclusivity with respect to smallholder farmers. 

“To get smallholder farmers to participate effectively in global supply chains, they need to be traceable, regenerative and profitable. This bootcamp was helpful in guiding us on how to refine our tools to be acceptable to farmers and other users in the supply chain” ~ Joseph Simukoko, Green Giraffe

From Innovation to Investment Readiness

Facilitators emphasized that true investment readiness is grounded in evidence, not just compelling pitches. Participants assessed their businesses across six pillars of sustainable agribusiness toward resilient growth: 

1. Sharpening value propositions,
2. Diversifying revenue streams,
3. Managing costs effectively,
4. Building strong partnerships and structured supply chains,
5. Driving sustainability, and investing in team and leadership capacity to build a people engine that works and,
6. Making sustainability a strategic advantage for resilience

Through practical tools, case studies and peer-to-peer exchange, this enabled participants to refine their business models aligning them with investor expectations and market realities, recognizing that investors fund capable teams, data-driven strategies not just promising ideas.  

Balancing Profitability and Purpose 

Beyond profits, impact matters – the Impact Measurement and Management (IMM) session guided agribusinesses on articulating their socio-economic and environmental impacts, and how these impact both people and the environment, in an evolving climate context. Using an applied impact pathway development approach, participants learned how to track their progress across social, environmental and economic dimensions, reinforcing the idea that sustainable growth balances profitability, operational strength, and meaningful impact thus aligning business growth with sustainability outcomes that investors increasingly prioritize. 

Inclusive and Climate-smart growth

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) emerged as a key lever for competitiveness and innovation. Participants discussed challenges faced by women and youth entrepreneurs taking a deeper dive to discuss challenges in accessing finance, land and training, as well as non-inclusive technologies Each business was encouraged to develop a Gender Action Plan with the guidance and support of Dr. Ojongetakah Enokenwa Baa, an exercise meant to integrate inclusivity into daily operations and leadership. These discussions and activities are intended to be followed up with comprehensive engagement with the agribusinesses, through the Scaling for Impacts focus on inclusive and responsible scaling. 

In tandem, soil and water management were reframed as strategic business assets, agribusinesses with the guidance of Dr. Tinashe Dirwai, explored the profitability impacts of resource degradation and identified climate-smart solutions for soil restoration and water management, while encouraging gender-responsive designs. Integrating these strategies enhances resilience, attracts investment, and supports inclusive, climate-smart growth.

Digital Solutions, Human Connection and Managing Risk 

The session on digital inclusivity challenged participants to explore the responsible and inclusive use and design of digital tools and services. Learning how to assess the accessibility of their innovations, ensuring they meet the needs of all users, particularly underserved farmers and marginalized groups, in addition, identifying strategies to scale while maintaining equity. The discussion highlighted that integrating inclusivity into both the design and implementation of digital solutions is essential for sustainable impact and broader adoption. 

Furthermore, discussions on last mile delivery underscored that while technology amplifies efficiency, trust sustains adoption. Strengthened agent networks, supported through training, incentives and data tools, help reduce acquisition costs, improve data collection, and maintain personal relationships that anchor rural markets. The same principle of trust and foresight, resultantly, extends to risk management, where participants learned to view risks from climate shocks to supply chain disruptions and staff fraud as strategic challenges to anticipate and mitigate. By embedding resilience through data monitoring, local intelligence, and forecasting, agribusinesses can safeguard margins, stabilize supply chains, and build investor confidence. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Investment-Ready Business Models: Participants refined value propositions, cost management, and strengthened partnerships strategies to attract capital.
2. Impact Measurement and Sustainability Practices: Agribusinesses learned how to link their operations to measurables environmental, social and economic outcomes using practical tools that integrate sustainability directly into the core business decisions.
3. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Integration: Agribusinesses were guided on targeted support to embed gender-sensitive and inclusive practices into operations, improving participation, customer reach, and overall equity within their value chains.
4. Soil and Water Management: Participants were guided on the use of practical solutions for soil restoration, efficient water management, and climate-smart design thus enhancing long-term productivity and reducing exposure to climate shocks.  
5. Digital Inclusivity and Last-Mile Delivery Solutions: Businesses advanced user-centred digital tools and distribution models that improve access to services for underserved farmers and marginalized groups in efforts to strengthen commercial viability in remote areas.  
6. Risk Management for Operational and Climate Resilience: Participants acquired approaches to anticipate climate variability, operational disruptions, and market risks, helping them safeguard margins and build investor confidence.  

From Bootcamp to Broader Impact

By equipping agribusinesses with tools for digital inclusivity, climate resilience, and gender-responsive growth, the S4I bootcamps are bridging the gap between innovation and those who depend on it the most, being farmers and rural communities. 

When science, finance, and enterprise intersect, food systems transform. Through collaboration and shared purpose, challenges can be seen as opportunities, to drive sustainable growth and resilience to reach every farmer, value chain and community. 

Catch highlights from the S4I Agribusiness Bootcamp held in Lilongwe, Malawi and Lusaka, Zambia.

Authors: 

Thato Mabele, Research Consultant - International Water Management Institute (IWMI) 

Mahlatse Nkosi, Research Officer - Inclusive Agricultural Finance, IWMI