Sahel Capital, a prominent investment management firm specializing in food and agriculture across sub-Saharan Africa, has successfully closed a $1 million loan facility with Camino Ruiz, a Kenyan-based company engaged in fish processing and distribution. The financing was extended through Sahel Capital’s Social Enterprise Fund for Agriculture in Africa (SEFAA), which supports impactful agribusinesses across the continent.
The loan facility is structured to support both the expansion and operational needs of Camino Ruiz. Specifically, $800,000 has been allocated for capital expenditures, enabling the company to upgrade and expand its processing infrastructure. The remaining $200,000 is earmarked for working capital, ensuring the business can maintain smooth day-to-day operations as it scales.
Founded in 2008 by entrepreneur Joseph Mureithi, Camino Ruiz is committed to delivering affordable, value-added fish products to Kenya’s growing retail market. The company specializes in high-quality, ready-to-eat tilapia products, which are processed at its facility in Nairobi. Core operations include filleting, freezing, and pre-cooking, ensuring convenience and quality for consumers.
Camino Ruiz sources its tilapia from a network of over 4,000 smallholder fish farmers located along the shores of Lake Victoria. It also receives supply from its sister company, Global Tilapia Husbandry, further strengthening its supply chain and ensuring consistent product availability.
Zakayo Ngetich, Vice President for East and Southern Africa at Sahel Capital, commented:
This investment marks SEFAA’s first entry into the aquaculture sector and underscores our commitment to supporting innovative agribusinesses across Africa. Camino Ruiz is well-positioned to lead Kenya’s fish processing industry, with a strong distribution network that includes 180 supermarkets, 25 branded retail outlets, and a growing e-commerce platform. We believe this partnership will help the company solidify its position as the leading consumer brand for fish products in the country.
This strategic investment not only supports Camino Ruiz’s growth ambitions but also contributes to broader goals of food security, rural livelihoods, and sustainable aquaculture development in East Africa.
