Michelle shares her journey in the agricultural sector, her recent award win, and her work with small-scale farmers through Urban Farmer.  We discuss the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, the importance of information access, and the vision for the future of agriculture in Africa. Please rate and review this podcast episode. Email [email protected] Subscribe to The Mbali Nwoko Podcast today!

In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Minki, a seasoned business growth consultant and coach at GROW. We explore the crucial role of business coaching in the success of entrepreneurs, delving into the importance of clarity, focus, and intentionality in building a thriving business. We also discuss the difference between business coaches and board members, the significance of setting clear objectives, and the various measurements of success beyond just financial gains. Minki...

In conversation with Oxolo Mofokeng, the Deputy Director of Siyavuna  Abalimi Development Centre. Siyavuna focuses on empowering rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal through sustainable farming practices. They provide training to both elderly farmers and youth, emphasizing the importance of skills development and enterprise development. Oxolo explains how their training program includes a participatory-guaranteed system where farmers commit to sustainable farming practices without using...

In our first episode of 2024, we dive into the transformative world of agricultural technology with our guest, Francois Rossouw, CEO of SAAI. Francois, a returning friend of the podcast, shares exciting developments about SAAI's latest innovation, AI Farmer, powered by AELA. AI Farmer, formerly known as Hi Saai, is a groundbreaking technology providing personalized, real-time advice to farmers. It's like having an agricultural extension officer in your pocket, digitally offering expert...

Ukhanyo Farmer Development (NPO) is a pioneering initiative dedicated to empowering and uplifting farmers in South Africa, in the Eastern Cape province. Focused on rural agricultural development, the organization aims to unlock the full potential of farmers by providing essential resources, training, and support.  Through strategic guidance and community collaboration, Ukhanyo Farmer Development strives to catalyze sustainable growth in the agricultural sector, fostering economic independence...

Over the past couple of months, the poultry industry in South Africa has faced unprecedented challenges, especially with the emergence of the bird flu virus. This outbreak has had a profound impact, particularly on the availability of poultry products, with eggs being a notable example, on many retail shelves.  Thabile Nkunjana joins us once again; he's an economist from the National Agricultural Marketing Council. In this episode, he provides a deep understanding of the complexities and...

Agrikool, is a startup focused on making food and agricultural products accessible to everyone.  Palesa Motaung, COO of Agrikool discusses the challenges of agri-entrepreneurship in South Africa and how Agrikool has had to adapt its business model to meet the needs of its target market. The episode also highlights Agrikool's strong retail partnerships in the sector and their commitment to research and development to support the farming community. Episode timestamps: [00:18]...

Stephanie van der Walt, the Regional Manager of the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) discusses the purpose of industry body associations and the work they do, as well as the benefits of being a member. Stephanie shares her thoughts on the Women's Fresh Perspective breakfast hosted by IFPA and their recent conference in Southern Africa.  Please rate and review this podcast episode. Email [email protected] Subscribe to The Mbali Nwoko Podcast today!

Speaking to  Zaheer Dindar and Fazlur Pandor both Co-Founders of Pumpkn.io Pumpkn is a web-based platform that helps agribusinesses manage their finances and raise funding. It provides businesses with a comprehensive financial compliance checklist and real-time updates on their financial standing. It also offers tailor-made financing and funding opportunities specific to each business. Learn more about Pumpkn here:   https://www.pumpkn.io/ Episode timestamps: 00:05 Pumpkin assists...

Tendai Chitapi and Oliver Windram, co-founders of Kuronga. Kuronga is a platform that utilizes machine vision and deep learning to help farmers accurately grade their produce and target the right customers. The founders recognized that farmers were missing out on market opportunities due to a lack of tools and expertise in grading fresh produce. They discuss the challenges faced by farmers in terms of market access and strict market requirements. The episode explores Kuronga's vision, the...

Linda Siboto is the Co-founder of Cheeba Cannabis Academy and he unpacks the cannabis industry from obtaining licenses, cultivation practices, the costs associated with cannabis farming, and the various courses the academy offers to individuals that seek to learn or pursue a career in the cannabis industry. Linda also shares his personal journey and what inspired him to co-found Cheeba. Tune in to learn more about the cannabis industry and the opportunities it presents. Episode...

Christian Giesel, the Head of Marketing at Syngenta South Africa is the guest on this exciting podcast episode. Syngenta is a global agribusiness company that plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of agriculture through innovative marketing strategies. Christian's passion for sustainable agriculture and his deep understanding of the marketing landscape has been instrumental in driving Syngenta's mission to nourish crops while preserving the environment.  The episode explores...

SA Harvest, based in the heart of South Africa, is a pioneering company with a mission to alleviate hunger while combating food waste. They've identified a critical issue in our society—tons of perfectly edible food goes to waste every day, while millions of people struggle with hunger. SA Harvest was founded with the belief that this disparity can be addressed by connecting these two problems in a meaningful way. Please rate and review this podcast episode.  Please rate and review this...

Brastorne is an innovative technology startup based in Botswana, dedicated to bridging the digital divide and empowering the rural poor in Africa. With a deep-rooted commitment to addressing the needs of rural communities, especially those engaged in agriculture (representing 80% of the population), Brastorne leverages the transformative power of the internet. By providing access to online platforms, it enables farmers to effectively market and sell their produce while gaining valuable...

Thabile Nkunjana is an experienced economist in agri-food systems, international trade, and rural development industry, and is currently employed by the NAMC as an Economist in Agri-Food Chains. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of food price inflation and its  far-reaching consequences. We discuss how shifts in supply and demand, government policies, and global factors can cause fluctuations in food prices, affecting the affordability and accessibility of essential goods...

Food Forward SA works with a network of food donors, volunteers, and beneficiary organizations to collect surplus food from retailers, farmers, and manufacturers, and distribute it to vulnerable communities across the country. Their mission is to ensure that no one goes hungry, while also promoting sustainable food systems and reducing the environmental impact of food waste. In this episode, we will be discussing Andy's journey with Food Forward SA, the challenges they face in their work, and...

In this episode, we take a closer look at the incredible career of Ndidi Nwuneli, an entrepreneur, author, and advocate for sustainable development in Nigeria's agri sector. Ndidi is the founder of AACE Foods, an agribusiness company that works with smallholder farmers to produce high-quality food products for local and international markets. Ndidi is also a co-founder of Sahel Consulting, an innovative consulting firm that supports agricultural transformation in Africa. She is also the...

Speaking to Mishkaat who is the newly appointed GM for Culdevco.  Culdevco’s main objective is to identify, market and commercialise profitable Agricultural Research Council (ARC) bred varieties for the South African deciduous fruit producers and Culdevco licensees abroad.   Since 2006, Culdevco and the ARC have had an exclusive deciduous fruit license agreement to market and commercialise most of their apple, pear, plum, peach, apricot, table grape and dried grapes in South Africa, and in...

Avenews is a fast-growing Israeli-Kenyan fintech company building the first financial super app for the agriculture industry in Africa. Despite their economic contribution, agri-SMBs receive only 3-5% of total bank credit. An estimated 2.5M agri-SMBs are in need of financing solutions in SSA alone, resulting in an $80 billion finance gap in the sector. Avenews is closing the gap through an ML-powered credit platform that enables Africa's agribusinesses to digitalize their business...

Nono is a commercial farmer and business women who has built a remarkable career in the agricultural sector focusing on primary agriculture, particularly in empowering youth, women and new entrants in the agriculture sector. We discuss her role within the African Leadership Academy where she has successfully managed to establish and run the AL for Agribusiness Network Program, which aims to support and connect alumni of the ALA and MasterCard Foundation to the agricultural sector, across the...

In conversation with Maluta Netshaulu - Senior Manager: Agriculture (Client Value Proposition). He is a thought leader in the sector and we highlight the wins and losses experienced across the agri sector over the past  6 months and what the future looks like for 2023 and beyond.  Please rate and review this podcast episode.

Chatting to Chirene Jelbert , Owner and MD of C- FRUIT. She is an entrepreneur and commercial agriculture professional that has been in the industry for over 15 years. Let's hear how her business helps growers and clients see fruit differently through unique, practical, and sustainable go-to-market strategies from farm to table. Please subscribe to the podcast, like, and review the episode.  Contact [email protected]

In conversation with Priaash, Co-Founder of The Awareness Company, who worked together with his business partners for over 10 years in research, development and innovation in the public sector, building, amongst other things, pioneering technology that is still being used today in the fight against wildlife poaching. That’s when they realised the value of creating technology that solves real-world problems. And so, The Awareness Company was established in April 2018 to create a positive...

In conversation with Liza Bohlmann - Chairperson and North Regional  Representative for Agri Writers SA.  Agricultural Writers SA is a voluntary, non-profit association promoting the image and standards of agricultural journalism in South Africa. Visit: https://www.agriculturalwriterssa.co.za/ Please rate and review this episode, and subscribe to the podcast.