Desmond Koney, founder and CEO of Complete Farmer, has become the first Ghanaian entrepreneur selected into the global Endeavor Entrepreneur network.

Koney was selected during Endeavor’s International Selection Panel held in Athens, Greece, joining a group of 28 entrepreneurs leading 16 high growth companies from across the world.

The selection recognises founders with the potential to build scalable companies, create jobs and contribute to the growth of entrepreneurial ecosystems in their countries. Entrepreneurs selected into the Endeavor network receive access to a global community of founders, investors, mentors and business leaders who support their growth through strategic advice, market connections and fundraising opportunities.

For Complete Farmer, the recognition provides access to a global network that will support the company’s next phase of expansion. Through Endeavor, Koney will connect with experienced entrepreneurs and industry leaders, gain insights on scaling operations, and access potential investors and partners across international markets.

Building a Global Agricultural Trading Company from Ghana

Founded in Ghana, Complete Farmer is transforming how African agricultural products reach global markets.

The company connects international commodity buyers directly with smallholder farmers across Ghana and Togo. It purchases crops from more than 70,000 farmers at farmgate prices and supplies international buyers, including Aldi and Lidl.

By removing layers of intermediaries within the agricultural supply chain, Complete Farmer helps farmers gain better access to global markets while providing international buyers with a reliable source of quality agricultural products.

The company has developed an integrated agricultural trading model supported by a network of more than 350 field agents and eight fulfilment centres. Field agents work directly with farmers to monitor crop quality and ensure compliance with international standards, while fulfilment centres manage aggregation, grading and export logistics.

Beyond commodity trading, Complete Farmer has expanded into agricultural inputs and financing. The company operates a marketplace for farm inputs and equipment and provides credit solutions using farm data to assess farmers’ financing needs rather than relying only on traditional credit histories.

From Managing a Family Farm to Building an Agritech Startup

Koney’s journey into agriculture was shaped by personal experience.

Growing up outside Accra, he was raised by smallholder farmers. He later studied Mechanical Engineering at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where he graduated as valedictorian.

After university, Koney spent a year in China studying hardware manufacturing before returning to Ghana. In 2017, he co-founded Cibus Technologies, a renewable energy company focused on solving energy challenges.

A major turning point came after the death of his father, when Koney inherited the family’s pineapple farm. Running the farm exposed him to the challenges faced by many smallholder farmers across Africa, including limited market access, unreliable buyers and difficulties accessing finance.

The experience motivated him to leave Cibus Technologies and use the proceeds from his exit to establish Complete Farmer.

A Milestone for Ghana’s Startup Ecosystem

Koney’s selection into Endeavor represents a major milestone for Ghana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

By joining the network, Koney will also contribute to the organisation’s Multiplier Effect by sharing knowledge, supporting emerging founders and helping strengthen Ghana’s startup ecosystem.

With its growing farmer network, global buyer partnerships and technology driven approach to agricultural trade, Complete Farmer is positioning itself as a key player in Africa’s efforts to build more efficient and inclusive food supply chains.