Overview
Apollo Agriculture helps small-scale farmers achieve more profitable harvests by providing financing, training, quality farming inputs, and insurance. The company’s goal is to bring commercial farming to everyone by providing farmers with the financing they need to buy better products, increase their harvest, and turn subsistence farming into commercial farming.
The platform primarily serves smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa, with current operations in Kenya and recent expansion to Zambia. Small-scale farms make up 90% of sub-Saharan Africa’s agricultural sector, representing a massive untapped market. Apollo’s AI-driven approach enables quick loan processing and personalized agricultural recommendations for farmers who traditionally lack access to formal financial services.
Key Features
AI-Powered Credit Scoring
Advanced algorithms assess farmer creditworthiness using alternative data
Integrated Agricultural Packages
Complete bundles including seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and training
Flexible Repayment Terms
Harvest-based repayments with bulk payment after harvest for maize bundles
Insurance Coverage
Protection against severe drought and natural calamities on Apollo bundles
Field Agent Network
Extensive on-ground support through trained agricultural agents
Mobile-First Platform
Accessible via smartphone apps for both agents and farmers
Training & Advisory
Personalized crop management and agricultural best practices guidance
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- No collateral or guarantor required
- Harvest-based flexible repayment terms
- Comprehensive agricultural support package
- AI-driven quick loan approval process
- Insurance protection against natural disasters
Limitations
- Limited to Kenya and Zambia only
- Requires field marking fee upfront
- Daily interest charges on outstanding balance
- Limited to the agricultural sector only
Security Features
Data Protection: The platform processes sensitive farmer information, including ID numbers, location data, and financial records.
Identity Verification: The platform uses full ID numbers as account identifiers, ensuring proper farmer identification and preventing fraud.
Agent Authorization: The agent app requires prior authorization for usage, maintaining control over who can access farmer data and process applications.
Mobile Security: Apps are regularly updated with security patches, with the latest agent app version being 5.3.2 as of recent updates.
Pricing & Fees
| Service | Fee | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Field Marking Fee | KSH 100 (≈$0.75) | One-time setup fee for field measurement and verification |
| Monthly Minimum Payment | 2% of the total loan amount | Required monthly payment by the last day of each month |
| Daily Interest | 0.07% of outstanding principal | Applied daily on the remaining loan balance |
| Loan Term | 6-9 months (up to 12 months in some regions) | Flexible repayment period based on crop cycles |
| Average Loan Amount | $170 USD | Typical loan size for smallholder farmers |
Getting Started
Detailed Ratings
Final Verdict
Apollo Agriculture represents an innovative approach to agricultural financing, leveraging AI to serve previously underbanked smallholder farmers. The platform’s comprehensive package model and harvest-based repayments address real farmer needs, though geographic limitations and daily interest charges may concern some users.