Founded in 2016 by Gilbert Mwale and Elton Chirwa, eMsika, an innovative agri-tech startup, is set to expand its operations into four new markets following significant uptake in Zambia. The company, which offers a digital platform tailored to the needs of poultry and livestock farmers, plans to enter Tanzania, Nigeria, Egypt, and Zimbabwe in the near future.
eMsika provides a suite of services through its FarmHouse app, which includes convenient access to farm inputs such as chicks, feed, and vaccines, as well as on-farm visit support. In addition to its digital offerings, the company has established a physical store and partnered with multinational suppliers to further support farmers.
“We identified a significant gap in the market for accessible and user-friendly digital solutions tailored specifically to smallholder poultry and livestock farmers,” said Mwale in an interview with Disrupt Africa. “While there are other agricultural technology companies in the market, FarmHouse distinguishes itself by focusing on providing comprehensive on-farm technical advice and quality farm inputs for the needs of smallholder poultry and livestock farmers in urban areas.”
The FarmHouse app, which has been downloaded approximately 2,000 times, provides farmers with training, inputs, and connections to other farmers. Additionally, eMsika has launched a farmer membership programme called Farmhouse Plus to further enhance its services. The company has trained 8,000 farmers online to date.
Central to eMsika’s expansion strategy is the Poultry Manager feature of the FarmHouse app, which will be a key offering in the new markets. The company is actively seeking partners to support its growth.
Since its inception, eMsika has raised a total of $150,000 through a combination of equity investment, grants, and strategic partnerships. The startup is currently raising an additional $50,000 to bolster its marketing efforts, technology growth, and to make a single key hire.
“Farmhouse generates revenue through subscription fees for on-farm technical support and margins from sales. While we’re focused on scaling our user base, we’re also steadily growing our revenue streams,” Mwale added.
As eMsika prepares for its international expansion, it remains committed to empowering smallholder poultry and livestock farmers by providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed. The startup’s innovative approach and strong track record position it well for success in the new markets.
