Timoya Farms pioneers innovation in rice processing with KIC support

Timoya Farms, a rising force in Ghana’s rice industry, is spearheading innovation in rice processing with the backing of the Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC) and the Mastercard Foundation. 

The agribusiness, known for its climate-smart agricultural practices, is reshaping rice production through sustainable techniques and advanced processing methods.

"Timoya Farms is dedicated to climate-smart agricultural practices that ensure high yields while preserving environmental sustainability," said Anita Nsiah Donkor, Chief Operations Officer and Co-founder of Timoya Farms. "Our goal is to maximize rice production while minimizing waste. By leveraging advanced farming techniques and sustainable processing methods, we are ensuring food security and enhancing Ghana’s agricultural competitiveness."

Timoya Farms' commitment to sustainability and efficiency is reflected in its circular processing system, which optimizes every stage of rice production—from harvesting to packaging. This approach guarantees high-quality rice while minimizing environmental impact.

With support from KIC and Mastercard Foundation, the company has successfully launched Aviella Rice, a certified premium parboiled rice brand. Timoya Farms first participated in the KIC AgriTech Challenge Classic Program in 2023, which provided capacity building and mentorship for young entrepreneurs. In 2024, the company advanced to the KIC AgriTech Challenge Pro, an accelerator program that helps startups develop scalable solutions to critical challenges in the agricultural sector.

Beyond rice production, Timoya Farms is committed to empowering smallholder farmers, ensuring they receive the necessary training, farming inputs, and market access to improve their livelihoods.

"We work closely with our farmers, providing them with training, improved farming inputs, and access to markets. By doing so, we are increasing their incomes and securing a sustainable future for rice farming communities," Nsiah Donkor emphasized.

The impact of KIC’s support in fostering entrepreneurship and leadership in agriculture was underscored by Benjamin Gyan-Kesse, Executive Director of KIC.

"At Kosmos Innovation Center, we are committed to providing capacity building that enables young people to transform the agricultural sector with real-time solutions that address critical challenges within the sector. Through our empowerment and coaching, we are helping many young people see opportunities to bring innovation and technology to transform the sector," he stated.

Through its partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, KIC continues to empower young entrepreneurs, creating employment opportunities and enhancing Ghana’s agricultural landscape.

As Ghana strives for food self-sufficiency, Timoya Farms stands at the forefront of innovation, proving that with the right support and strategic partnerships, local agribusinesses can thrive and drive national development.