This summer, I traveled to Rwanda for a regional retreat with Root Capital’s Africa Team, followed by several days visiting our clients in the region. It was an insightful journey through the heart of Rwanda’s coffee industry where I explored the captivating landscapes, entrepreneurial innovation, and incredible economic opportunities created and led by agricultural enterprises...
Read moreTopics: Africa | Stories of Impact |
Root Capital is one of more than 1.8 million nonprofit organizations in the U.S. This National Nonprofit Day, we celebrate the work of nonprofits and acknowledge the far-reaching impact of the nonprofit sector. As a social impact lender and a nonprofit organization, we know firsthand that nonprofits are committed to making a difference each and every day.
Read moreTopics: News and Announcements |
Today is International Youth Day, a day designated by the United Nations to celebrate the potential of youth as partners in our global society. The global youth population currently stands at 1.8 billion—the largest in history—with 88% living in developing countries. Youth are essential to the future of rural communities, particularly in developing countries, where they serve as an indispensable local talent pool for agricultural enterprises with aging workforces...
Read moreTopics: Youth |
Thirty-six percent of women globally and more than sixty-five percent of women in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia earn their living from the agriculture sector. Yet, women receive only seven percent of total agricultural investment...
Read moreTopics: Women in Agriculture |
The Comon Yaj Noptic cooperative is nestled within the buffer zone of El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve, one of the world's most diverse forest reserves, in Chiapas, Mexico. The reserve has a dense cloud forest, which consists of constant low-level clouds that produce a mix of fog, mist, and rain...
Read moreTopics: Environment | Stories of Impact |
Root Capital is pleased to announce the addition of two sector-leading experts to our board of directors. Jehiel Oliver, who has nearly a decade of experience leading an agricultural technology social enterprise that drives the tractor market for rural, smallholder farmers in Africa, has joined us alongside James Richardson, a seasoned business development professional with extensive experience…
Read moreTopics: News and Announcements |
In March, I went on my fourth trip with Root Capital—one very near and dear to my heart because it was to my home country: Honduras. As someone who was born and grew up there—and who has since spent a career working to address the challenges of poverty, climate change, and migration in this region and beyond—it was very meaningful to once again be amid the verdant farms and vibrant communities at the heart of this work...
Read moreTopics: Mexico and Central America |
“In Sub-Saharan Africa today, the ‘missing middle’ financing gap for agricultural small and medium enterprises (agri-SMEs) is $65 billion a year.” -Root Capital’s CEO and founder Willy Foote at the 20th Skoll World Forum in Oxford, England, speaking on the ever-widening financing gap that exists for agribusinesses in developing economies.
Read moreTopics: News and Announcements |
Root Capital is pleased to announce the addition of two members to our board of directors: Fleur Boos and Philip Brown. Fleur is new to the board and Philip is a returning member, who previously served on the Finance and Risk and Credit Committees. They both have extensive financial services experience and bring a deep understanding of Root Capital’s…
Read moreTopics: News and Announcements | Our Community |
Deep in the Meru region of Kenya, Shalem Investments has witnessed firsthand the effects of shifting weather patterns and climate change on its community. Much of Kenya is experiencing the worst drought in 40 years, with devastating consequences for farmers of “thirsty” crops like maize. As a grain aggregator and climate action leader, Shalem is building a local market…
Read moreTopics: Environment |
