DOB Equity, a Dutch family-backed impact investor, has recently completed its first investment in Rwanda, by acquiring an equity stake in Sarura Commodities, a grain trading company.

Brigit van Dijk – van de Reijt, CEO of DOB Equity, said: “DOB Equity’s investment in Sarura is our first in Rwanda and is part of our continued commitment to accelerating development in East Africa by supporting impactful companies. Sarura is well geared to accelerate efficient production of local high-quality grains in Rwanda.”

Sarura Commodities links smallholder farmers to reliable input and service providers to increase grain quality and farmer productivity. 

It also supports farmers by providing training on post-harvest management.

Since its establishment in 2012, Sarura Commodities has developed a strong sourcing platform in Rwanda of over 9,000 smallholder farmers. 

They supply high quality grade 1 and 2 grains, such as maize and beans, to local and international off-takers. 

These include the World Food Program and African Improved Foods, a joint venture between the Government of Rwanda and a consortium of international partners that manufactures fortified nutritional foods.

DOB Equity’s investment will allow Sarura to strengthen its storage infrastructure, support its sourcing platform and scale up its operations in Rwanda’s niche premium grain market.

Mercy Mutua, investment manager at DOB Equity, said: “Sarura’s longstanding local presence and established network in Rwanda inspired us to join forces with them. Both DOB Equity and Sarura’s seasoned management team want to tackle Africa-wide challenges in ensuring consistent, good-quality grain production and reducing post-harvest losses.”

“We believe Sarura is well positioned for further growth and support of the agri-sector in Rwanda.”

Augustin Mutijima, CEO of Sarura Commodities, added: “We are very pleased with the support of DOB Equity. In the months leading up towards the closing of our partnership we have already seen the benefits that an investor like DOB Equity can bring. We are confident that DOB Equity is the right partner for growth and for rolling out our ambitious growth plans in building a country-wide platform of small holder farmers.”