mAgri’s USSD Mobile Marketplace Empowers Women in Botswana 2021!!!!!!

Of Africa’s 1 billion people, 650 million own mobile phones—yet, paradoxically, most lack meaningful digital access; experts project 750 million Africans are “digitally excluded.” Why? Because most phones are ‘feature’ phones that lack apps—and because Africa is the world’s most expensive region for data. mAgri creates value for rural farmers by connecting them to the agricultural economy in their region. More than 50% of African farmers are women, and >60% are under 30 years of age; mAgri will have a significant impact on these groups. giving them meaningful opportunity to enhance their farming practices, save costs, (travel and data costs associated with sourcing information) and market their produce/livestock profitable.

With training and personal development opportunities shared on our platforms (training opportunities, advisory services, jobs, etc.), capacity-building is enabled, further addressing the gender disparities that lie within underserved communities in the rural areas. It also acts as an entry point for unemployed youth to get involved in agri-business, through access to an agricultural ecosystem that can get them started by providing the necessary information (i.e. animal health-care database, tips, training opportunities, etc.) at a relatively low cost. Our platform aims to empower women by giving them the opportunity to enhance their knowledge, have increased bargaining power and grow their business through access to market opportunities.