Adaeze Akpagbula

34-year-old entrepreneur Adaeze Akpagbula is passionate about green technology and sustainability in agriculture. Having witnessed the struggles of farmers first-hand—especially her own parents—she was inspired to harness IoT (Internet of Things) and AI (Artificial Intelligence) climate-smart technologies to transform livestock farming. Through her business Farmspeak Technology Limited, Adaeze is making significant strides in enhancing productivity, increasing profit margins, and promoting data-driven agriculture in Nigeria.

Farmspeak has been instrumental in providing sustainable and impactful solutions for smallholder poultry farmers. One of the major challenges these farmers face is high energy consumption costs due to excessive charcoal burning. Farmspeak’s interventions have led to a 63.4% increase in productivity, a 40% reduction in energy consumption costs, a 70% increase in profit, and overall improved livelihoods for farmers using their products and services. Additionally, the company has trained and sensitised over 5,000 poultry farmers in western Nigeria, further expanding its impact.

With support from YBI’s Nigerian member FATE Foundation, Adaeze gained essential business resources, mentoring, and funding linkages. This support helped her refine her business model, develop leadership skills, and build a strong network of fellow entrepreneurs.

Reflecting on her journey, Adaeze acknowledges the instrumental role of FATE Foundation’s support.

“This support has been invaluable in helping us start and scale Farmspeak, allowing us to overcome challenges and seize new opportunities for growth.”

Through Farmspeak Technology Limited, Adaeze is leading the charge in sustainable farming practices, environmental conservation, and food security.

Adaeze is the winner of YBI’s Climate Entrepreneurship Award and Global Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2024.