MADCO Turning Challenges into Opportunities

When Martha Namabiro and Daniel started building MADCO Investments in Uganda, their ambition was not simply to create another agricultural business. They wanted to identify the real challenges faced by local farmers and develop practical solutions that could help them become more productive.

Starting from their knowledge of agriculture, Martha and Daniel gradually developed MADCO by looking at what was missing in the market — from agricultural machinery and consultancy to animal-feed solutions and farmer training.

Building a Business Around Real Problems

For Martha, entrepreneurship starts with understanding what farmers actually need.

“We are looking at the gaps and encouraging ourselves to fill the gaps.”

This approach allowed MADCO to grow step by step. Instead of starting with a fixed business idea, Martha and Daniel continuously identified problems and developed services to address them.

MADCO evolved from agricultural consultancy into machinery rental and the supply of ingredients for animal feed. The company also helps farmers use agricultural equipment more effectively and improve their production processes.

Tangible Results

This approach has already produced strong results:

• Nearly 78% growth in annual sales in 2025;
• Improved profitability and a stronger financial base;
• A growing network of farmers and agricultural businesses;
• More jobs and opportunities within the local economy;
• Improved productivity and knowledge among MADCO's customers.

One example is a farm with around 100 cows, where MADCO did more than simply provide equipment. The team worked with the farmer to improve the way the business operated and helped re-engineer its processes.

Impact Beyond the Business

MADCO's impact goes beyond its own growth.

By helping farmers become more productive, the company contributes to stronger agricultural businesses, better knowledge and local employment. Its solutions help farmers make better use of available resources while strengthening the local agricultural value chain.

For OVO coach Guy Bylemans, this is what makes MADCO particularly interesting:

The Next Step for MADCO

MADCO is now facing an important opportunity for further growth. The sites where the company currently operates are for sale, and Martha and Daniel want to acquire them.

Owning these sites would give MADCO a more stable foundation for its activities and allow the company to continue expanding its services and supporting more farmers.

Together with OVO, Martha and Daniel are exploring possible financing options to make this next step possible.

From Cooperation to Partnership

MADCO's story reflects a broader vision that OVO wants to promote: looking at Africa not only through development needs, but also through entrepreneurship, investment and economic cooperation.

Martha and Daniel are not simply entrepreneurs receiving support. They are building a growing Ugandan company, creating jobs, solving local problems and contributing to a stronger agricultural economy.

For OVO, the goal is therefore not only to ask what Europe can bring to Africa, but also:

“What can we create together?”

This represents a shift from aid to cooperation, from beneficiaries to entrepreneurs, and from projects to long-term economic partnerships.

Learning From African Entrepreneurship

MADCO also shows that innovation does not always require sophisticated technology or large resources. Entrepreneurs like Martha and Daniel work with what is locally available, adapt to changing conditions and continuously search for new ways to create value.

Their practical and flexible approach offers valuable lessons for European entrepreneurs as well.

As Guy Bylemans explains, cooperation should be based on mutual learning, where African and European entrepreneurs can exchange knowledge, experience and opportunities.

OVO as a Connector

Through coaching, access to finance and connections with potential partners, OVO supports entrepreneurs like Martha and Daniel throughout their growth journey.

The relationship goes beyond traditional knowledge transfer. African entrepreneurs bring their own market knowledge, creativity and experience, while European coaches contribute expertise, networks and new perspectives.

The result is a partnership where both sides can learn, grow and create new opportunities together.