A Namibian civil engineer has developed a mobile application aimed at helping farmers find markets for their produce, improve access to agricultural knowledge and reduce Africa’s reliance on food imports.
Efraim Shimbali, founder of the Afriagrifed app, told AgriMonitor that Africa continues to face food insecurity despite having extensive areas of arable land.
He said three key areas – production, markets and agricultural education – often operate in isolation, limiting opportunities to increase food production and improve food security.
“There have been numerous reports of hunger-related deaths in Namibia and across Africa. While the continent has vast arable land, it still imports food from countries with much smaller agricultural spaces,” Shimbal
i said.
Afriagrifed aims to bring these areas together in a single digital platform, allowing farmers, buyers and educational institutions to connect and share information.
Shimbali began developing the app in 2022 and launched its first prototype in 2023, attracting 120 users in Namibia. Following interest from South African investors, he decided to abandon the initial version in 2025 and make significant improvements.
He is now working with Namibian business partners and preparing to launch the second mobile prototype in November 2026. Registration for the web-based version is already open.
Accessing market information
The app is designed to help farmers access market information and statistics so they can plan production according to demand.
“It facilitates collaboration among producers to meet demand, while enabling the market to monitor product availability and readiness,” Shimbali said.
Farmers will be able to download the app from Google Play or Apple’s App Store once the mobile version is launched. Users will pay a once-off registration fee, as well as a fee deducted from sales, he said.
Shimbali acknowledged that limited internet connectivity in rural areas could pose a challenge but said ongoing improvements were intended to help address the problem.
The platform also caters for retailers and educational institutions. It will provide promotional opportunities, educational tutorials, research presentations on agricultural topics and solutions to farming challenges. It is also intended to create internship opportunities for students.
One of the early success stories from the first prototype was Mande J Investment, based in Etaka in Oshaala, which sold cabbage, tomatoes and fish without having to leave the farm to look for customers.
Funding and language barriers
Shimbali identified funding and language barriers as some of the main challenges facing the project. The app is currently available only in English, but plans are under way to introduce local languages.
He has outlined a 14-year strategy to expand the platform across Africa, with the first four years focused exclusively on Namibia.
His longer-term vision includes establishing an agricultural technical institution to support increased production in what he describes as the quaternary sector.
Shimbali has called for cooperation with government institutions responsible for home affairs, education, agriculture, and information and communication technology, as well as private-sector and development partners.
“Technology is here to simplify our lives in every aspect. With this app, farming is aligned with known market needs, and your challenges can be resolved conveniently from your mobile device while on your farm,” he said.
