Nairobi to host regional seed firm targeting SMEs

Nairobi has been chosen for the establishment of the first foundation seed production company in sub-Saharan Africa. The firm mainly targets Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) Executive Director Denis Kyetere said QualiBasic Seed Company had received an initial five-year funding of $8.4 million (Sh865 million) from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The establishment of QBS, Dr Kyetere said, is a boon to both seed companies and small-scale farmers seeking access to a wider variety of certified quality seeds. “QBS will address the acute, technical, infrastructural and financial challenges encountered by seed companies,” he said.