A new piggery and meat processing facility in Barekese, Ashanti Region, is set to create 300 direct and indirect jobs and significantly boost the incomes of over 700 pig farmers. This state-of-the-art facility, established by Piper Pretty Company Limited, is capable of processing 35,000 pigs annually and is poised to provide sustainable growth opportunities for farmers and workers across the value chain.

The project was financed by the Industrial Support Fund Ghana Venture Capital Ltd (ISF-GVC), a venture capital fund managed by Impact Capital Advisors (ICA), and is part of a broader effort to transform agribusiness in Ghana.

The facility will provide a reliable market for pig farmers, ensuring fair prices for their produce while creating new opportunities for input suppliers, farm workers, and processors. At the inauguration, CEO of Piper Pretty Ltd, Isaac Owusu Asubonteng said the project represents more than just a processing plant.

“This facility is a game-changer for farmers and workers in the piggery value chain. By integrating them into a sustainable market system, we are not only increasing their incomes but also empowering them with the tools and training to thrive,” he said.

Piper Pretty has already trained over 700 farmers and their employees in key areas such as animal welfare, husbandry, and biosecurity. The company has also introduced social protection schemes, including pensions and insurance, to secure the long-term financial well-being of farmers and workers.

The factory is expected to create 300 jobs in areas such as processing, packaging, logistics, and farm operations. These positions will provide stable employment and income for individuals and families in the Ashanti Region, contributing to the local economy’s growth.

Board Chairman of Impact Capital Advisors, Zac Bentum, emphasized the critical role of innovative financing in making projects like this possible.

“This is a prime example of how venture capital financing and impact investing can address gaps in traditional funding, particularly for SMEs in agriculture. By supporting initiatives like Piper Pretty, we’re not just financing a business—we’re financing livelihoods and sustainable economic growth,” he said.

He also stressed the Venture Capital Trust Fund’s (VCTF) role as the anchor investor in ISF-GVC, which enabled the fund to support transformative projects such as this.

The Barekese facility is expected to serve as a model for agribusiness innovation in Ghana, ensuring sustainable development and improving the livelihoods of farmers and workers.