In an era where food security, sustainability, and value addition are critical to Africa’s economic future, innovative solutions within the agro‑food sector are more important than ever. One such solution is Dehydrator Hub Agro Food Technology, a Nigerian‑based company founded by Funmilayo Ishola, whose work is redefining food processing, preservation, and post‑harvest management for MSMEs and farmers across the continent.
From a Market Gap to a Mission (2019)
Dehydrator Hub was founded in 2019 in response to a major challenge in Nigeria’s agro‑food sector: limited access to proper food processing infrastructure. Funmilayo observed that despite Nigeria’s abundance of agricultural produce, many food items failed to meet export standards, leading to high rejection rates in international markets.
The core problem was clear—low processing standards and post‑harvest losses. Crops were wasting, farmers were losing income, and Africa was exporting raw produce instead of value‑added products. Dehydrator Hub was created to change this narrative by providing machines and services that help producers process food to global standards, reduce waste, and increase income.
Evolving Beyond Machines
What started as a machine procurement business quickly evolved into a full ecosystem for food processing. Initially, Dehydrator Hub sourced machines from countries such as China, the USA, and India. However, many local processors could not afford imported equipment, prompting a crucial question:
“Can we make these machines locally?”
This led the company into local fabrication, acknowledging that while not all machines can be manufactured locally due to industry gaps, many can. From fabrication, the business expanded further into:
- Food Processing as a Service (renting machines)
- Training and capacity building for processors
- Engineering support and sustainability integration
According to Funmilayo, this evolution was not a rigid plan—it happened naturally, driven by customer needs and real‑world challenges.
Serving the Entire Food Value Chain
Dehydrator Hub supports a wide range of food value chains, including:
- Grains
- Nuts
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Proteins
- Oils
Among these, fruits and vegetables currently record the highest demand. Highly perishable items such as tomatoes, peppers, onions, mangoes, and pineapples require rapid preservation, making dehydration a critical solution—especially during Nigeria’s rainy season when sun‑drying becomes ineffective.
Meeting Global Standards
To ensure export readiness and food safety, Dehydrator Hub prioritizes international compliance. Machines sourced or fabricated meet recognized standards such as CE and ISO certifications, and are made from food‑grade stainless steel, ensuring hygiene, durability, and ease of cleaning.
Continuous research into global best practices allows the company to replicate international standards within local contexts—bridging the quality gap between African producers and global markets.
Most Popular Machines on the Market
Two machines stand out among Nigerian agro‑processors:
- Dehydrators – Once unfamiliar to many processors, dehydrators are now in high demand thanks to awareness created by Dehydrator Hub. Today, dehydrators are widely recognized as essential tools for food preservation.
- Grinders – A staple for value addition across multiple food categories.
Famila notes that sometimes people do not know what they need until they see it. Education and awareness have been central to driving adoption.
The Post‑Harvest Center: Innovation in Action
One of Dehydrator Hub’s most forward‑thinking initiatives is the Post‑Harvest Center, a platform combining training and processing services.
The original idea was to create a machine‑sharing marketplace, allowing processors with idle equipment to rent out machines to others. While innovative, this model faced challenges around standardization and quality control.
The solution? A franchise‑style model.
Under this new approach:
- Dehydrator Hub provides Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Processing is done in controlled facilities
- Results remain consistent across locations
The pilot phase has begun in Abuja, with plans to expand after operators are fully trained. A dedicated app is also being developed to support onboarding and operations.
Adoption of Sustainable Technologies
While adoption of sustainable technologies among Nigerian MSMEs was initially slow—largely due to high entry costs—this is changing. Flexible payment models, such as installment plans for solar energy systems, are making sustainability more accessible.
Beyond energy, digital solutions like e‑commerce are also transforming the sector. Online platforms reduce operational costs, minimize errors, and improve efficiency by streamlining ordering and documentation.
According to Funmilayo sustainability is no longer optional—it is becoming a necessity.
Advice to Young Africans Entering Agro‑Food Technology
Funmilayo’s message to young Africans is both encouraging and practical:
“Please come—we need more of you.”
However, she emphasizes the importance of research and preparation:
- Know who your customers are
- Understand where your raw materials will come from
- Avoid entering the industry blindly because of perceived profits
- Be ready to work hard—the opportunities are vast, but the work is real
The agro‑food industry, she says, is large enough for everyone to thrive—“every bird can fly without touching another.”
Most importantly, she advises entrepreneurs to enjoy the journey.
Conclusion
Dehydrator Hub Agro Food Technology represents the kind of innovation Africa needs—locally grounded, globally relevant, and impact‑driven. By tackling food waste, improving processing standards, and empowering MSMEs, Famila and her team are contributing meaningfully to food security, sustainability, and economic growth across Africa.
Their story is a reminder that when engineering, sustainability, and purpose come together, the results can transform industries—and lives.
