Jaapo Capital Company Ltd, a Gambian-owned company, and Azora Resources Group Holding Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore investment opportunities in fertilizer production, blending and distribution, with plans that could strengthen local production and expand access to agricultural inputs.
The proposed partnership will assess the expansion of organic fertilizer production at Jimara Estate in the Upper River Region and the feasibility of establishing a fertilizer blending facility in The Gambia to serve local farmers and potentially neighbouring West African markets.
The agreement comes as Jaapo Capital pursues an existing arrangement with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security for the supply of 25,000 metric tonnes of organic fertilizer by May 2027.
The MoU was signed by Jaha Dukureh, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Jaapo Capital, and Daniel Seal, Founder and Executive Chairman of Azora Resources Group Holding Limited, an international mining, commodities and natural resources group headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security, Honourable Demba Sabally, witnessed the signing, underscoring the importance of private-sector investment in agricultural development and food security. The ministry witnessed the agreement but is not a party to it.
Under the proposed collaboration, the two companies intend to combine Jaapo Capital’s local agricultural operations and market knowledge with Azora Resources’ international experience in commodities, supply-chain development, investment and commercial financing.
One of the key areas of cooperation is the possible expansion of Jaapo Capital’s existing Faro organic fertilizer operations at Jimara Estate, where biomass processing activities have already commenced.
The companies will also assess the feasibility of establishing a fertilizer blending facility capable of producing products tailored to specific crops and soil conditions.
In a press conference held at the OIC conference on TuesdayJaha Dukureh stated that If developed, the facility could support the domestic supply of agricultural inputs, reduce reliance on imported finished fertilizer products and create opportunities for distribution to markets across West Africa.
adding that the proposed investment could also contribute to the development of local agro-processing, private-sector participation and the wider agricultural value chain.
“Through its Faro fertilizer platform, Jaapo Capital holds licensed rights to manufacture and distribute biological soil amendment products, including HumiSoil and XLR8 Bio, in The Gambia and certain West African territories.”
She said that the proposed partnership is expected to explore how these existing operations could be expanded alongside new fertilizer blending and distribution opportunities.
“For a country where agriculture remains an important source of livelihoods, access to suitable and affordable farm inputs is a key consideration in efforts to improve productivity and strengthen food security.
However, the extent to which the proposed partnership will contribute to local production, lower fertilizer costs or improve availability will depend on the outcome of the assessments and whether the planned investments proceed.” She noted
The companies however will undertake further technical, financial and commercial assessments to determine the viability and structure of the proposed projects.
Any future investment or development will depend on satisfactory feasibility studies, relevant regulatory approvals and the signing of definitive agreements.
The agreement therefore establishes a framework for the two companies to examine potential investment opportunities rather than confirming that a fertilizer blending plant will be constructed.
If the assessments are successful and the projects proceed, the collaboration could open a new avenue for investment in The Gambia’s fertilizer industry, with potential benefits for domestic agricultural production and regional trade.
