As I reflect on my journey as an entrepreneur in the agricultural sector, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons I have learned thus far. Recently, while on a trip to Samunaka for a training on Good Agronomic practices for USAID, I reminisced about my humble beginnings and how far I have come.
I vividly recall passing through Ramin Kura and pointing out to my travel partner the spot where I used to purchase maize from Oga Banki alongside my business partner, Mubarak in 2019. At the time, we were supplying AFEX Commodity Exchange Company and Agriple. It was during this trip that our driver remarked, “Famu, e don tey wey you don dey hustle o”, which loosely translates to “You have been hustling for a long time”. Although I found his comment amusing, it reminded me of the hard work and dedication that has brought me to where I am today.
The journey of building Farmatrix has been filled with numerous challenges, but it has also been a source of great personal growth. I have learned valuable lessons about engaging with stakeholders, building lasting partnerships, and cultivating trust in business relationships. While I know that I am still a long way from achieving my ultimate goals, I am grateful for the progress I have made thus far and for the iterative processes that have brought me this far.
As an entrepreneur, I know that building a successful business requires patience, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to one’s vision. There will be setbacks and obstacles along the way, but I remain focused on the big picture and committed to making a positive impact in the agricultural sector in Africa.
Lastly, I am filled with gratitude for the journey thus far, and I look forward to continuing to learn, grow, and make a positive impact while building Farmatrix, a platform that facilitates trade between Agro-commodity suppliers and processing/exporting companies across several value chains in Africa.