Cultivating a Sustainable Zambia

We are a Zambian social enterprise driven by a single purpose — giving every smallholder farmer access to seeds that work.

Our Story

Founded in 2021, Built for Zambia

Kagezi Seeds was born from a recognition that Zambia's smallholder farmers — who produce the majority of the country's food — were being underserved by the mainstream seed industry, which focused almost entirely on hybrid maize.

Our founders saw an opportunity to champion underutilized crops: drought-resistant, nutritious, and increasingly demanded by food processors, NGOs, and regional markets. The company was structured as a social enterprise, meaning every commercial decision is evaluated against its impact on farmer livelihoods.

Since 2021, we've expanded our seed catalog to 8 varieties, formed partnerships with CIMMYT, USAID, Caritas Czech Republic, and World Bank programmes, and directly supported over 1,500 farmers across multiple provinces.

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Research-Backed Breeding

All varieties are tested and validated through partnerships with CIMMYT and ZARI.

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Farmer-Centred Model

We combine seed supply with training, extension services, and guaranteed markets.

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Social Enterprise DNA

Impact on farmer livelihoods drives every commercial and operational decision we make.

Farmers Supported

Seed Varieties

Active Projects

Years of Impact

What Drives Us

Mission & Vision

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Our Mission

To produce climate-smart, certified seed varieties that empower smallholder farmers to achieve reliable harvests, improve their livelihoods, and contribute to Zambia's long-term food security.

We deliver more than seeds — we provide knowledge, community, and market access that make farming a viable and dignified livelihood.

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Our Vision

A Zambia where every farmer — regardless of landholding size, location, or rainfall — has access to proven seeds and the agronomic support to use them effectively.

We envision a thriving, climate-resilient agricultural sector that positions Zambia as a food-secure and food-exporting nation within a generation.

Our Principles

The Values We Farm By

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Climate Resilience

Every seed we produce is selected for its ability to perform under stress — drought, poor soils, irregular rainfall — because that is the reality for most Zambian farmers.

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Scientific Integrity

We partner with CIMMYT, ZARI, and international research institutions. Our seeds are tested, validated, and certified before they reach farmers.

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Farmer Partnership

Farmers are our primary partners, not just customers. We work alongside them through outgrower programmes, training, and honest agronomic guidance.

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Local Relevance

We focus on crops that are indigenous to Zambia's food culture — millet, sorghum, cowpea — and give them the investment they deserve.

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Measurable Impact

We track farmer outcomes — yields, income, season-on-season growth — and use that data to improve our products and support services.

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Environmental Stewardship

Our variety selection encourages sustainable farming practices — intercropping, soil improvement legumes, reduced chemical dependency.

Our Journey

Key Milestones

2021

Company Founded

Kagezi Seeds registered as a Zambian social enterprise with a focus on underutilized, climate-resilient seed varieties for smallholder farmers.

2022

First Seed Catalog Released

Launched initial portfolio including Pearl Millet and Sorghum varieties, with first distribution to Eastern Province farmers.

2023

CIMMYT VACS Partnership

Partnered with CIMMYT on the VACS Activity project, extending research-backed seed access to farmers countrywide.

2024

Caritas Collaboration – 1,500 Farmers Reached

Two-year sustainability milestone with Caritas Czech Republic: over 1,500 farmers supported across multiple provinces.

2025

Agritech Expo Bronze Exhibitor

Featured as a Bronze Exhibitor at Zambia's premier agricultural technology event, raising national brand awareness.

Our People

Meet Our Expert Team

The dedicated board members, agronomists, and field officers driving climate-resilient agriculture forward across Zambia.

Marina Kamanzi

Managing Director

Marina leads Kagezi Seeds with a focus on sustainable business growth, strategic partnerships, and smallholder empowerment.

Mele Nyeleti

Programmes Lead

Mele coordinates field programs, community outreach, and our outgrower initiatives across Zambia's provinces.

Mutinta Muyangwa

Crop Production Agronomist

Mutinta oversees seed multiplication, quality control, and agronomic trials for our climate-resilient varieties.

Sibongile Jere

Projects Officer

Sibongile manages grant compliance, project monitoring, and relationships with research and development partners.

Sifa Midiburo

Accountant

Sifa ensures financial accuracy, budgets, and operational efficiency across Kagezi's various projects and divisions.

Joel B. Mseteka

Sales And Marketing Agronomist

Joel connects local farmers and agro-dealers with our seed catalog, combining sales with advisory support.

Lizzy Katebe

Crop Agronomist

Lizzy works with farmers in the field, providing hands-on training on soil management, planting, and harvesting.

Jeremiah Choonya

Field Officer – Solwezi

Jeremiah provides localized support and training for our growing community of smallholder farmers in Solwezi.

Innocent Iseki

Field Officer - Solwezi

Innocent supervises seed distribution, outgrower contracts, and field validation trials in the Solwezi district.

Organisations We Work With

CIMMYT

USAID

Caritas Czech Republic

World Bank

ZARI

Agritech Expo