Ghana will become Africa's first AI-powered agricultural hub following a $100 million investment from Degas Limited, a global agri-tech company. The four-year commitment was announced during the Ghana Presidential Investment Forum, held alongside the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama, Japan, after a meeting between President John Dramani Mahama and Degas CEO Doga Makiura.
The initiative positions Ghana as a key entry point for Japanese investors exploring West African markets. More than 100 Japanese companies expressed interest in new ventures at TICAD 9.
AI applications in farming
Degas Limited plans to scale its AI-driven satellite monitoring and precision agriculture platform to support smallholder farmers. The platform uses real-time imagery, predictive analytics, and agronomic insights to optimize planting, irrigation, pest control, and harvesting.
"Ghana has shown that when technology meets a clear national vision, smallholder farmers can thrive," said Makiura. "This investment will help us boost yields, reduce risk, and expand affordable financing."
Degas has financed 86,000 farmers across 122,000 acres, reporting doubled incomes and a 95% repayment rate. The new investment will expand access to AI-supported financing, satellite-enabled crop monitoring, precision agronomy services, and supply chain integration.
Climate resilience and food security
AI-powered tools are expected to improve weed detection, input optimization, and climate adaptation strategies. The project aims to support food security as Africa faces challenges from unpredictable weather, degraded soil, and pest outbreaks. According to projections, 118 million Africans could be at risk from droughts, floods, and extreme temperatures by 2030.
Employment and economic growth
The partnership is projected to create thousands of jobs, especially for youth, and support the government's $10 billion Big Push infrastructure plan and 24-Hour Economy initiative. Beyond farming, the initiative includes opportunities in logistics, data services, agri-fintech, and value chain processing.
Regional and global context
The development aligns with Africa's digital transformation, as agri-tech investments across the continent have risen from under $10 million in 2014 to $600 million in 2022. The initiative also advances African Union recommendations to integrate AI and data science into agriculture.
Japan-Ghana cooperation is also being strengthened, with Japanese partners involved in projects in education, infrastructure, health, and climate adaptation.
President Mahama stated the project represents "a strong vote of confidence in Ghana's vision for integrated, technology-enabled agriculture," highlighting AI adoption as part of Ghana's food security and job creation strategy.
Source: iAfrica