LDN Fund and LDN TAF Case Study
Country:
Ghana
Sector:
Cocoa
Business model
Koa’s mission is to significantly raise farmer income and empower rural communities in West Africa through food innovation. The Ghanaian-Swiss start-up is unlocking a new value chain around cocoa pulp, creating an additional revenue stream for farmers that is independent of cocoa beans, decoupling production from the price volatility of cocoa beans. Working directly on-farm with small-scale cocoa producers, Koa utilizes the pulp, heart and husk parts of the cocoa fruit, turning it into valuable ingredients and therewith reducing food waste.
Investment
Purpose: LDN Fund’s investment of USD 9.3 million, which is part of a USD 15 million series B equity round, will support Koa’s business growth to develop more cocoa fruit products and expand its marketing and distribution activities.
Duration: 7 years.
Technical assistance
- Support Koa to design and implement a program to train farmers on Good Agricultural Practices and regenerative agriculture with a clear business case for farmers. A model farm will be established serving as a hub for the program and for demonstration and training purposes for farmers in the region. In addition, a pilot will be launched for farmers to test, monitor and measure potential impact on cocoa yield and soil health.
- Engaging expert support to assess whether there is living wage gap for Koa’s operations in Ghana.
