In a major development for sustainable agriculture in West Africa, Senegalese TOLBI, a climate-focused agritech startup, is using artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite data to transform how farmers plan and manage their crops, boosting productivity and resilience in the face of climate change.
Founded in 2020 by entrepreneur Mouhamadou Lamine Kébé, TOLBI has emerged as a key innovator in agriculture technology by integrating cutting-edge machine learning with remote sensing to give farmers, cooperatives and agribusinesses critical data they previously lacked. The platform’s AI models interpret satellite imagery and weather data to provide precise yield forecasts, irrigation guidance, soil and crop health analytics, and localized climate insights — helping farms make smarter decisions throughout the growing season.
At its core, TOLBI’s technology delivers real-time analytics and projections that can optimize water use, predict harvest timelines, and reduce operational waste, making farming more sustainable and cost-efficient. Beyond data dashboards, the company’s tools also disseminate tailored advice to farmers through mobile and voice systems in local languages, ensuring accessibility even in rural areas with limited connectivity.
The startup’s AI-powered forecasting has garnered international recognition. TOLBI was selected for the Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa, a prestigious program that supports AI-forward ventures addressing critical challenges on the continent, validating its potential to scale impact.
Agriculture accounts for a large share of livelihoods across West Africa, yet farmers are increasingly vulnerable to shifting weather patterns and resource constraints. By equipping them with data-driven tools, TOLBI aims to improve yields, build climate resilience and contribute to food security across the region.
With a growing footprint that already includes partnerships in places such as Ivory Coast and beyond, TOLBI’s model is shaping a new generation of African tech solutions rooted in local context and global innovation, offering a promising blueprint for climate-smart farming solutions in 2025 and beyond.
