Uganda: Selecta One acquires Wagagai Ltd.

Selecta One has acquired Wagagai Ltd., one of the world's largest cutting farms, located on the shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda. With this step, Selecta One expands its international production network, secures long-term production capacity in East Africa, and reinforces its commitment to sustainable and socially responsible business practices.

© Selecta One

Wagagai Ltd. employs over 2,000 people and is known not only for its high production standards but also for its social and environmental engagement. As part of the acquisition, Selecta One is committed to continuing Wagagai's strong social programs – including the on-site health clinic that provides essential medical care for employees and their families, as well as education and community outreach initiatives.

"This acquisition is more than a strategic investment – it is a continuation of shared values and a long-standing partnership," says Per Klemm, CEO of Selecta One. "We are proud to integrate Wagagai into the Selecta family and to build on its impressive legacy of both horticultural excellence and social impact."

Olav Boenders, co-founder of Wagagai, adds: "Selecta has been a trusted partner for more than 20 years. With this step, we are ensuring a stable and meaningful future for our employees and the community around the farm."

© Selecta OneOlav (left) and Per (right) sign the contracts for the deal. "Twenty years ago, Olav and I sat here for the first time. A table in front of us, Dutch beer right within reach. We signed our very first cooperation agreement. A five years contract and an eight-digit guarantee sum – the biggest contract I had ever signed at the time. That moment marked the beginning of a game-changing partnership between Wagagai and Selecta one. Without that partnership, Selecta one wouldn't be where we are today", Klemm shares in a LinkedIn post, along with a nearly identical picture from 20 years ago featuring the same people and location, but with a different beer and contract.

The takeover includes the continuation of all operations at the current site. Selecta One will also ensure a smooth transition for other breeders who have used Wagagai as their production partner in the past. In particular, an agreement with Beekenkamp has been reached to continue the propagation of their crops in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.