Food security is one of the most critical challenges facing Africa today. The continent imports food staples valued at about US$ 35 billion annually, primarily due to lack of optimal food production-supply-consumption chains. Value addition and agricultural commodity crop processing levels are low, and post-harvest losses in sub-Saharan Africa average 30% of total production, meaning the region loses over US$ 4 billion annually. (Source: African Development Bank, 2014 & 2016). Low output means low savings, leading to low demand for mechanisation and increasingly low productivity.

The African Union Commission-Food and Agriculture Organization reported in 2016 that over two-thirds of sub-Saharan African farms rely solely on human power and, on average, there are just 13 tractors per 100 km² of arable farmland. In some sub-Saharan countries the number dips to under 1 tractor per 100 km² (Source: World Bank).  Compounding the issue, tractor rentals for land preparation are unaffordable for most farmers.  Additionally, second-generation equipment ownership currently has negligible formal finance, service and parts support.

One African company that understands these issues and is committed to providing best-quality, purpose-fit equipment for farmers is Kanu Equipment, a dominant African heavy-equipment supplier. Global leading agriculture brands like Case IH, Bell and Liebherr have entrusted Kanu with the distribution and maintenance of their equipment in the markets where they operate.

The competitive advantage of Kanu Equipment is their dedication to offering customers end-to-end on-the-ground support, to the extent that the company’s slogan is “Experience the Support”. This includes customer needs assessments, pre-sales advice, and after-sales support through easily accessible spare parts, backed by unparalleled on-shore technical service.

With a strong agriculture focus supported by prominent original equipment manufacturers, Kanu Equipment operates in Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Tanzania, Liberia, Ghana, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, Botswana and soon East Africa.

Stephen Smithyman, Chief Executive Officer – Kanu Equipment, commented that “the ingredients needed to transform Africa’s agriculture include the availability and expansion of infrastructure and technology, with access to affordable high-quality machinery, extension services, local training, parts availability, as well as finance options. This is where Kanu comes into play.”

Pan-African private equity fund manager, Phatisa – Kanu’s equity partner – has recognised mechanisation as a rewarding commercial enterprise; ideal for local and international investors because of the value it adds to inputs and, ultimately, the food value chain. 

The agriculture sector is key to achieving inclusive growth in Africa. As African development moves towards long-term, sustainable food production, the continent will rely on trusted suppliers of heavy equipment to play their part in establishing sustainable food production-supply-consumption chains. It’s time to get on board.

Article published in The Africa Report, July 2017.

5 years ago, our Hummingbird successfully took flight for the first time. This was made possible by the brave decision of mr Dave Alcock, founding member of Kanu Equipment.

After several years of total commitment to the company, ensuring that our little Bird has continued to soar, Dave has decided to move towards another horizon.

Kanu Equipment hosted a dinner function at The Legends Lounge, Sun City, on Wednesday, 12 July 2017, in Dave’s honor to bid him a fine farewell and express our most sincere thanks. MD’s from all countries, our shareholder as well as international suppliers were present to witness this momentous occasion.

Stephen Smithyman, Group CEO of Kanu Equipment and Dave’s good friend, nostalgically recalled the moments of stress and joy that marked the birth of the company. At the end of his speech, he handed out a symbolic Liebherr 9350 trophy to a visibly moved Dave. Dave delivered a heartfelt and emotional speech, thanking all the guests for their presence, and many Kanu staff members for the role they played in making his time at Kanu Equipment a truly unforgettable one.

As sad as we are to see him go, we wish him every success on his new journey as we are eternally grateful to him for his invaluable contribution to the growth of our organisation.

Cheers (for now) to Dave !