Sahel Capital has successfully secured a $400,000 working capital loan for MM LEKKER through its Social Enterprise Fund for Agriculture in Africa (SEFAA). This funding aims to strengthen agricultural trade and support smallholder farmers in Benin.
MM LEKKER’s Role in Agricultural Trade
MM LEKKER, a Benin-based company, specializes in trading soya beans, shea nuts, and cashew nuts, catering to both local and international markets. Over the years, the company has expanded its network of smallholder farmers across key agricultural regions in northern Benin.
Beyond its trading operations, MM LEKKER provides essential storage solutions to help farmers minimize post-harvest losses. By ensuring farmers can store their produce until market conditions are favorable, the company helps increase their revenue potential.
Bridging the Market Gap for Farmers
According to Aicha Haidara, Vice President at Sahel Capital, MM LEKKER plays a crucial role in stabilizing the income of smallholder farmers.
“The agricultural supply chain in this region is highly fragmented. Farmers often navigate multiple intermediaries before reaching final buyers. MM LEKKER’s direct-to-market approach reduces this gap, allowing farmers to secure fairer prices for their produce and reinvest in their future harvests,” Haidara stated.
By working with MM LEKKER, buyers contribute to sustainable economic development, ensuring smallholder farmers—who are the backbone of Benin’s agricultural sector—can thrive.
Strengthening Farmer Resilience and Market Access
Ahimakin Armel Theodore, CEO of MM LEKKER, highlighted the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in Benin. Despite their significant contribution to the country’s agricultural output, these farmers often struggle with market access, price volatility, and inefficient supply chains.
“Since our establishment, MM LEKKER has connected over 1,000 farmers with local and international buyers, improving trading opportunities and price stability,” Theodore explained. “Our partnership with SEFAA marks a major milestone in scaling our impact, optimizing supply chains, and empowering farmers to build resilient and profitable livelihoods.”
A Sustainable Vision for Agricultural Trade
The collaboration between Sahel Capital and MM LEKKER aligns with a broader vision of transforming agricultural trade in Benin. By making supply chains more efficient, sustainable, and inclusive, this partnership benefits farmers, buyers, and investors alike.
With this new investment, MM LEKKER is set to expand its reach, providing even more smallholder farmers with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive in a competitive market.
