Verdant Orchards, a leading agribusiness in Southern Africa, is building high-value, perennial orchards that positively impact the local communities and the environment. IFU has decided to invest USD 15 million in the company supporting a strategic expansion across its plantations in Mozambique, Zambia and South Africa.
“This successful fundraising round was made possible thanks to the strong backing from IFU and Fedgroup and complements the long-term support we’ve received from Verdant Frontiers. Their combined investment into Verdant Orchards, not only strengthens our capital base but also accelerates our strategic growth towards becoming a leading player in Southern African agriculture.”
Barry Hawke, Chief Investment Officer, Verdant Orchards.
Increasing production and creating new local jobs
Verdant Orchards is growing citrus, avocado and macadamia, and the proceeds from the investment will be used to expand all three farms currently operated. In total, it is expected that an additional 1,600 hectares of orchards will be added by mid-2026 creating around 400 new full-times jobs on top of the 870 full-time equivalent jobs already created, thereby supporting the local economies as well as export earnings in the three countries. The investment will also support the building of packhouses in Zambia and Mozambique.
Moreover, close to 4,000 hectares will be set aside to increase biodiversity and sequestering of greenhouse gasses.
“We are proud to support Verdant Orchards in this transformative project. Agriculture is a critical sector for economic growth and food security in Africa, and we believe that the projects in Mozambique, Zambia, and South Africa will create lasting positive impacts on both local economies and international markets.”
Peter Hardgrove, Senior Investment Manager, Sustainable Food Systems at IFU.
Read more about Verdant Orchards at verdant-orchards.com