Sahel Capital has successfully secured a $400,000 working capital loan for MM LEKKER through its Social Enterprise Fund for Agriculture in Africa (SEFAA). MM LEKKER, a company based in Benin, specializes in the sale of soya beans, shea nuts, and cashew nuts, serving both local and international markets.
The company has made remarkable progress in expanding its network of smallholder farmers across key agricultural regions in northern Benin. In addition to its trading activities, MM LEKKER provides essential storage solutions that help farmers minimize post-harvest losses and sell their products under optimal market conditions, ultimately leading to increased revenues.
“MM LEKKER is instrumental in enhancing the economic stability of smallholder farmers in Benin,” stated Aicha Haidara, Vice President at Sahel Capital. “The agricultural supply chain in this region is notably fragmented, with farmers often dealing with numerous intermediaries before reaching the final buyers. MM LEKKER’s direct-to-market approach significantly reduces this gap, enabling farmers to obtain fairer prices for their produce and reinvest in future harvests. By collaborating with MM LEKKER, buyers can play a vital role in fostering sustainable economic development, ensuring that smallholder farmers—the backbone of Benin’s agricultural sector—can thrive.”
Ahimakin Armel Theodore, CEO of MM LEKKER, emphasized the challenges faced by smallholder farmers:
These farmers contribute a substantial portion of Benin’s agricultural output, yet they frequently encounter obstacles such as limited market access, price fluctuations, and inefficient value chains. Since our establishment, MM LEKKER has successfully linked over 1,000 farmers with local and international buyers, providing them with improved trading opportunities and stable pricing. Our partnership with SEFAA represents a significant milestone in our mission to scale our impact, optimize supply chains, and empower farmers to develop more resilient and profitable livelihoods. This collaboration is in line with our vision of transforming agricultural trade in Benin, making it more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive for farmers, buyers, and investors alike.
