NAIROBI, Kenya- In a move set to reshape the poultry industry in East Africa, Norwegian state-owned investment firm Norfund has signed a Sh2.3 billion ($18 million) deal with Irvine’s Group.
This investment aims to expand Irvine’s operations in Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and Mozambique, further enhancing their role as a leading supplier of Day-Old Chicks (DOCs) and poultry feed across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The equity investment in Buchan Limited, Irvine’s Group’s holding company, will allow the poultry giant to significantly scale its operations.
Irvine’s, in collaboration with its long-time partner Cobb, is establishing a state-of-the-art farm in Tanzania. This facility will streamline the breeding of parent stock, cutting down the logistical hurdles tied to importation and improving supply chain efficiency throughout the region.
By setting up this modern unit, Irvine’s will be able to supply chicks and feed more cost-competitively, ensuring the poultry industry can meet the rising demand for affordable protein sources.
“This investment is crucial in providing accessible, high-quality protein while empowering local businesses,” noted Craig Irvine, Group CEO of Irvine’s Group.
Norfund’s investment does more than just increase production—it’s poised to create a ripple effect through local agricultural value chains.
William Nyaoke, Norfund’s East Africa Regional Director, emphasized that the investment would benefit smallholder farmers and create jobs for East Africa’s burgeoning youth population.
He highlighted Irvine’s pivotal role in promoting agribusiness, which in turn drives economic empowerment, particularly in rural areas.
Alongside the boost in poultry operations, the funding will enable Irvine’s to ramp up its feed production and distribution, as well as procure more essential grains like maize and soybeans.
This not only supports local farmers but also strengthens regional agricultural supply chains, ensuring the poultry sector remains resilient and responsive to the growing protein demand.
As the population in East Africa continues to grow, so too does the need for sustainable sources of protein. Chicken and eggs are among the most affordable and accessible animal-based protein options, making the expansion of Irvine’s operations critical for meeting nutritional needs across the region.
