Digital platforms that provide finance, advice, market links and weather updates to smallholder farmers are now facing a test of financial sustainability as development funding narrows.

The issue will be the focus of the 10th AgriFin Learning Event (ALE 10) on 27 October 2026 in Nairobi, organized by Prosper Global AgriFin, the successor to Mercy Corps AgriFin.

Under the theme “Leveraging Evidence for Connected, Scalable and Inclusive Digital Agriculture,” the conference will bring investors, banks, ag‑tech firms, digital platforms and development partners together to discuss business models, partnerships and funding pathways.

Prosper Global AgriFin reports that its programmes have reached more than 18 million farmers across Africa and Asia since 2012 and has collaborated with nearly 200 institutions since 2019.

A newly released Agtech Investment in Emerging Markets report, compiled by Briter and ISF Advisors for AgriFin’s AgBase programme, tracks $4.39 billion of ag‑tech funding across 17 emerging markets from 2023 to Q3 2025, covering over 900 deals and 700 funded companies.

The report finds that investment levels have stabilised after the post‑2022 slowdown, though recovery is uneven and varies by market, highlighting the need for business models that match local funding conditions.

The conference will also feature masterclasses on trusted data systems, sustainable digital payments and online safety, an AI showcase, and a marketplace with more than 15 exhibitors, linking funding discussions to concrete technologies.

Under the Gates‑Foundation‑funded AgriFin Digital Farmer II programme, 7.6 million farmers were registered, surpassing the five‑million target, but questions remain about continued usage, service relevance and business viability.

ALE 10 will close with reflections on lessons learned and commitments aimed at turning discussion into action, emphasizing that the next phase of digital agriculture depends on building financially sustainable services that remain accessible to farmers.