Kenya's Orient Enterprises raises $1M to expand macadamia exports

What's the deal? Kenyan macadamia processor Orient Enterprises has raised $1 million in an early-stage round from Barka FundDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, Africa's climate-focused impact investment fund. The blended deal comprises $500,000 in preferred equity and a $500,000 structured working capital loan.

What's the endgame? Founded in 2018 by Rajiv Pandya, Orient runs an FSSC 22000-certified facility in Juja, Kiambu County, sourcing from more than 5,000 smallholder farmers. It processes macadamia nuts into raw, roasted, and flavoured kernels sold under its Orient Chef brand to retailers and export markets in Europe, North America, and Asia.

Where's the money going? Proceeds fund infrastructure upgrades, working capital, and agroforestry expansion. By 2030, the partnership targets more than 275,000 trees planted and over 100 new jobs. Orient's model integrates tree planting and restoration of degraded farmland directly into its sourcing.

By the numbers: Orient generated $1.2 million in revenue in 2025 and employs more than 120 people, 80% of whom are women. It also runs a tree nursery supplying seedlings to local farmers.

Why now? Before investing, Orient completed Barka's readiness programme, which helps strengthen governance, financial controls, and reporting. The fund pairs equity and structured debt with technical assistance to match each company's growth stage.

"This partnership strengthens our ability to serve global markets while investing directly in the farmers and land behind our business," said Pandya, founder and chief executive officer.

The signal: The round reflects rising investor appetite for African agribusinesses that link commercial growth with climate and social impact. As Barka managing partner Rekia Foudel put it, Orient reflects "African agribusinesses driving growth, inclusion, and restoration, all at once."

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