Founded in 2012 by Jane Maigua, Charity Ndegwa, and Loise Maina, Exotic EPZ Ltd has become a pioneering women-led agribusiness in Kenya, recognized for its innovative approach to macadamia nut processing and its commitment to sustainable impact. Exotic EPZ’s journey began with a simple but transformative goal: to improve the livelihoods of Kenyan smallholder farmers, particularly women, by building a fair and inclusive value chain for macadamia nuts. Today, Exotic EPZ is not only Kenya’s premier licensed macadamia processor and exporter but also a recognized force for social and environmental impact.

Addressing Systemic Challenges in Agribusiness

Exotic EPZ emerged from a context of challenges facing Kenyan smallholder farmers. Many farmers lack reliable market access, leading to unsustainably low prices for their crops. Gender inequality in rural Kenya further exacerbates these issues, as women — who comprise a significant portion of the agricultural labor force — face barriers to owning land, accessing financing, and participating in formal markets.

Image Courtesy of Exotic EPZ

Understanding these obstacles, the founders of Exotic EPZ saw an opportunity to create an inclusive business that would empower these communities, particularly women and youth, by providing stable, fair-paying jobs and sustainable market access. By acquiring the previously defunct Exotic EPZ Limited in 2016, Maigua, Ndegwa, and Maina expanded their impact, positioning the company as Kenya’s first female-led macadamia processing enterprise and setting a standard for responsible and inclusive business practices.

An Innovative and Sustainable Business Model

Exotic EPZ has crafted a unique business model grounded in sustainability and technology. The company sources high-quality macadamia nuts from over 10,000 smallholder farmers across Kenya, many of whom are women. To ensure fair compensation, Exotic EPZ uses a blockchain-based mobile platform to streamline payments, ensuring that farmers are paid promptly and transparently.

Once sourced, the nuts undergo rigorous processing at Exotic EPZ’s facility in Nairobi, adhering to internationally recognized standards, including FSSC 22000 V5 and ISO 9001:2018. The facility is also partly powered by a solar installation, reducing the company’s carbon footprint. By reusing macadamia shells as fuel for boilers and creating biogas, Exotic EPZ minimizes waste and increases the sustainability of its operations, addressing both environmental and economic needs.

Image Courtesy of Exotic EPZ

Building Social and Environmental Impact

Exotic EPZ’s operations have a significant social impact, directly supporting the livelihoods of over 10,000 farmers and employing 163 people, 85% of whom are women and 74% are youth. The company invests in training its farmers in best practices for soil management, pest control, and crop optimization, enhancing productivity while promoting environmental stewardship. In doing so, Exotic EPZ addresses Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as No Poverty (SDG 1), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Climate Action (SDG 13).

By supporting women farmers and employees, Exotic EPZ actively promotes gender equity and creates opportunities for women to participate meaningfully in Kenya’s economy. Its inclusive practices and commitment to fair wages foster economic stability for families and communities, while its eco-friendly production methods contribute to Kenya’s environmental resilience.

Image Courtesy of Exotic EPZ

Overcoming Funding Barriers

Financing has been one of the most significant hurdles for Exotic EPZ, reflecting the wider challenge of a $42 billion financing gap for female entrepreneurs in Africa. Initially, the founders faced difficulties securing loans, as traditional financers were hesitant to support women-led enterprises. However, their determination and clear business model eventually attracted impactful partnerships with organizations like Root Capital, Rabo Foundation, and Kenya Climate Ventures (KCV).

In 2018, Root Capital provided Exotic EPZ with a $150,000 line of credit, enabling the company to pay farmers on time and stabilize its supply chain. Recognizing Exotic EPZ’s potential, Root Capital later doubled its loan, facilitating expansion and allowing the company to triple its sales over two years. Other partners, like the Rabo Foundation and KCV, have played crucial roles in Exotic EPZ’s growth, helping the company scale its operations and enter new markets across the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Recognition and Future Growth

Exotic EPZ’s impact has been recognized through various awards, affirming its status as a model of social enterprise. In 2018, Managing Director Jane Maigua received the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Award for Agri-Entrepreneurship. The company has also been acknowledged for its commitment to diversity and inclusion as a finalist in Kenya’s National Diversity and Inclusion Awards. In 2019, Root Capital awarded Exotic EPZ a Gender Equity Grant, which helped the company enhance training programs for its predominantly female workforce.

Looking ahead, Exotic EPZ is dedicated to deepening its social and environmental impact. The company plans to establish a demonstration farm to train farmers in macadamia cultivation and sustainable practices. Additionally, it aims to plant 187,500 macadamia trees to increase supply and reduce CO2 emissions. As Exotic EPZ continues to expand into new markets and diversify its product range, it remains committed to the empowerment of smallholder farmers, sustainable growth, and the creation of a thriving, inclusive Kenyan agribusiness sector.