Johnvents Group has made a bold entry into the African rice market with the successful delivery of its first major vessel of premium-quality rice to Senegal.
The shipment, sourced from Pakistan, one of the world’s top rice exporters, marks the official launch of Johnvents Rice and a strategic expansion into the food distribution sector, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainable food security across the continent.
The move positions Johnvents as a key player in Africa’s food supply chain, starting with Senegal and The Gambia and targeting further expansion across the region.
The company is leveraging its integrated agribusiness structure and global trading expertise to deliver nutritious, affordable food to underserved markets while building long-term supply resilience.
“We are excited to launch Johnvents Rice as our first rice offtake and proud to begin this journey in Senegal and Gambia with plans to expand into other African countries in the coming months,” said Sanjay Puhorit, Head of Business at Johnvents DMCC, the group’s international trading subsidiary.
“As the trading arm of a fully integrated agribusiness, we’re leveraging global expertise and regional insight to deliver high-quality food to the people who need it most.”
This milestone aligns with a broader diversification strategy recently approved by the company’s board, which targets aggressive growth in trading, FMCG, commodities export, retail, and agro-processing across key global markets, including Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas.
Group Managing Director John Alamu underscored the long-term vision behind the rice entry.
“As we continue to scale our operations across borders, this shipment demonstrates our resolve to make a real impact improving food accessibility while building resilient supply chains that connect Africa to the rest of the world,” he said.
He added that while international trade is vital, the group remains deeply committed to strengthening Nigeria’s own rice production capacity.
“We are investing significantly in local capacity, from farming to processing, to ensure food self-sufficiency,” Alamu said.
“As an African-grown business with global aspirations, our goal is clear: to lead purposefully, trade with integrity, and nourish lives.”
With this first shipment completed and more on the horizon, Johnvents is setting its sights on becoming a major force in Africa’s evolving food ecosystem, delivering not just products, but solutions for food security, access, and long-term sustainability.
