Clinton Development Initiative
Agribusiness: Soyco LTD
Locally operated agribusinesses create jobs and help farmers build sustainable livelihoods. These businesses are reliable, long-term buyers for local produce and offer farmers a buffer against the price fluctuations that are endemic to the market. CHDI and Rwandan co-investors established Mount Meru Soyco Limited, a large soy processing business that will produce cooking oil. Soyco will supply the Rwandan market, create jobs, and expand export opportunities. The company is contracting with an estimated 30,000 local farmers to grow soybeans and is providing inputs to support those farmers. Soyco will employ up to 1,400 farmers on its own commercial soy farm and employ 120 staff in its factory. To further increase the availability of improved inputs for soya farmers, CHDI partnered with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, reaching 20,000 farmers across Rwanda over three years.