KENYA/TANZANIA – French investment company, Mirova, has invested USD 8.5 million into Pamoja, a key player in macadamia nut production across Kenya and Tanzania.

The partnership not only aids in financial support, but also, underscores the commitment to promoting environmentally conscious farming among small-scale producers.

The infusion of funds from Mirova, a subsidiary of Natixis Investment Managers, seeks to propel the sustainable production of macadamia nuts.

This investment aligns with Pamoja’s mission to collaborate with local farmers and amplify the impact on the East African macadamia industry.

Guillaume Maillard, the founder of Pajoma, expresses the company’s strategic vision, “The partnership with Mirova will enable us to step up our efforts to promote the sustainable and profitable use of arable land and to train producers in best practices.”

“We will also be able to strengthen our industrial facilities, which are managed according to our Swiss standards and enable our nuts processed in Kenya to compete with all other origins.”

Empowering small-Scale farmers in Kenya and Tanzania

In Kenya, where Pamoja exports macadamia nuts to Europe, the infusion of funds will accelerate the development of projects involving over 6,000 small-scale farmers.

Nairobi-based subsidiary TenSenses operates a state-of-the-art macadamia nut processing plant, positioning itself as a significant player in the international market.

Meanwhile, Macjaro, Pamoja’s subsidiary in Tanzania, is dedicated to developing macadamia nut farms that prioritize agroforestry ecosystems.

The company envisions managing 6,200 hectares of land in both countries, adhering to stringent sustainability criteria, including organic and fair-trade practices.

By 2031, Pajoma aims to support 13,000 small local producers through initiatives that enhance both economic viability and environmental stewardship.

Impact on the global macadamia market

The joint efforts of Pamoja and Mirova are poised to influence the global macadamia market, projected to reach USD 2.48 billion by 2028, according to Mordor Intelligence, an Indian consultancy.

The emphasis on sustainability in macadamia production aligns with the growing consumer demand for ethically sourced and environmentally friendly products.

Guillaume Maillard emphasizes the broader impact of such initiatives, stating, “Initiatives like these could have a considerable impact on the global market for these nuts, which are highly prized in pastries and cosmetics.”

Land degradation neutrality fund

Moreover, Mirova’s investment to macadamia nut production is part of the Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) fund.

Launched in collaboration with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), this fund aims to finance projects contributing to land degradation neutrality.

Beyond macadamia nuts, the LDN fund supports various agricultural ventures, including coffee, cocoa, wood, nuts, fresh fruit, and pharmaceutical ingredients, along with ecosystem services payments in Latin America, Asia, and Africa.

As this strategic partnership unfolds, it marks a pivotal step towards a more sustainable and responsible future for macadamia farming, ensuring both economic prosperity and environmental conservation.

The collaborative efforts of Mirova and Pamoja underscore the potential for impactful investments in agribusiness to drive positive change on a global scale.

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