About Us – Kagezi Seeds

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

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 Impact

Commitment to the SDGs

Kagezi Seeds aligns its commercial operations and social enterprise initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to drive sustainable, inclusive agricultural development across Zambia.

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

We combat food insecurity by breeding and distributing certified, drought-tolerant crop seeds (pearl millet, sorghum, cowpea, soybeans) that ensure reliable smallholder harvests, even during unpredictable rainy seasons.

SDG 13: Climate Action

Our climate-smart seeds and hands-on conservation training help rural farmers adapt to the realities of climate change, building ecological resilience and protecting vital water and soil resources.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

We partner with local and international research institutes like ZARI, SCCI, CIMMYT, EU, and NGOs to multiply validated seed pipelines, connecting smallholders directly to expert science and guaranteed buy-back markets.

Cultivating a Sustainable Zambia