The Mbali Nwoko Podcast

I have the pleasure of speaking with Zoe, the Managing Director and Partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) based in Nairobi. Zoe brings a wealth of experience in management consulting across the African continent, particularly in the food systems practice. Our conversation delved into various aspects of sustainable agriculture and the innovative trends shaping the industry. Please rate and review this podcast episode. Email info@mbalinwoko.com Subscribe to The Mbali Nwoko Podcast today!

In conversation with Glantine Mashile, MD of Geekay Agribusiness. Glantine shares invaluable insights on the challenges farmers face in securing loans from retail banks, particularly for black and emerging farmers. He emphasises the importance of proper business structuring, compliance, and record-keeping to become bankable. We discuss the types of capital available, including loans from retail banks and grant funding, and the common hurdles farmers encounter, such as lack of knowledge about financial products and stringent compliance requirements. Glantine outlines the critical factors banks consider when approving loans, including the purpose of the loan, the amount, security, repayment plans, and management quality. The conversation also touches on the volatility of the vegetable production sector and the difficulties in obtaining financial assistance compared to more regulated industries like grain or long-term crops. Glantine advises farmers to manage their credit life, keep detailed records, and seek expert advice to mitigate risks and improve their chances of securing funding. Visit: https://geekay.co.za/ Contact: info@geekay.co.za Please rate and review this podcast episode. Email info@mbalinwoko.com Subscribe to The Mbali Nwoko Podcast today!

Dr. Penny, an ESG specialist, sheds light on the significance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in today's agricultural landscape. She shares her expertise as an ESG Investment Analyst at SBG Securities, emphasising the importance of incorporating environmental, social, and governance factors into investment strategies for equities, with a primary focus on climate change. Please rate and review this podcast episode. Email info@mbalinwoko.com Subscribe to The Mbali Nwoko Podcast today!

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 info@mbalinwoko.com 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 shares valuable insights on how entrepreneurs can scale their businesses, empower their teams, and drive growth in multiple aspects. If you're an entrepreneur looking to gain clarity, focus, and strategic direction in your business, this episode is a must-listen. Minki's expertise and practical advice will inspire you to take your business to the next level. You can listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. Please rate and review this podcast episode. Email info@mbalinwoko.com Subscribe to The Mbali Nwoko Podcast today!

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 chemicals. Additionally, they offer training on developing an enterprise, mentoring, and providing in-field support to address challenges faced by farmers. Visit https://siyavuna.org.za/ for more info. Please rate and review this podcast episode. Email info@mbalinwoko.com Subscribe to The Mbali Nwoko Podcast today!

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 farming guidance tailored to your needs. This AI-driven platform is revolutionizing the way farmers make decisions, ensuring they have access to the best agricultural knowledge and advice, irrespective of their location or scale. During our conversation, Francois explained how AI Farmer leverages large language models to process language in a human-like manner, distilling complex agricultural information into actionable advice. The platform taps into a vast repository of farming knowledge, simplifying it for farmers to enhance efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. We also discuss the importance of partnerships with research institutions and companies to keep AI updated with the latest agricultural data and research. AI Farmer is not just for SAAI members; it's available to all farmers and is currently in its beta version on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Francois emphasizes the need for farmer feedback to evolve the technology further. He proudly notes that this South African company is bringing world-leading technology to the global stage, showcasing the country's innovation prowess. For anyone interested in agriculture and technology, AI Farmer represents a significant leap forward. It's a tool that can benefit farmers, agricultural extension officers, investors, lecturers, and students alike. The potential of AI in agriculture is vast, and AI Farmer is at the forefront of harnessing this potential for a more profitable and sustainable farming future. Please rate and review this podcast episode. Email info@mbalinwoko.com Subscribe to The Mbali Nwoko Podcast today!

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 and prosperity. Join us in this podcast episode as we delve into the impactful work of Ukhanyo Farmer Development and explore the key strategies for driving positive change in rural farming communities. Visit www.ukhanyofd.co.za for more info. Please rate and review this podcast episode. Email info@mbalinwoko.com Subscribe to The Mbali Nwoko Podcast today!

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 implications of the bird flu virus. Additionally, he unravels the reasons behind the shortage of poultry products and discusses its ramifications on the South African consumer market, businesses, as well as the broader agricultural sector. Please rate and review this podcast episode. Email info@mbalinwoko.com Subscribe to The Mbali Nwoko Podcast today!

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] Agri-entrepreneurship challenges in South Africa. [06:00] Access to finance for farmers. [09:07] Challenges for small-scale farmers. [15:19] Small-scale farming challenges. [19:07] Initiatives should be more focused. [23:02] Small-scale farmers and research. [26:40] Qualifying to supply through Agricool Farms. [30:29] Seasonality and market pricing. [34:10] Market intelligence is gold. Visit Agrikool for more information. Please rate and review this podcast episode. Email info@mbalinwoko.com Subscribe to The Mbali Nwoko Podcast today!

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 info@mbalinwoko.com 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 agribusinesses with financial management and funding opportunities. 06:10 Financial complexities in agribusiness: proving existence, operational proficiency, and ability to pay back. 14:00 Helping farmers raise capital. 22:06 Pumpkin helps farmers manage finances. 26:33 Agribusiness platform with funding assistance. 34:03 Access to financial services simplified. 35:04 More funding options available for agriculture entrepreneurs. 44:14 Addressing funding gaps in agriculture. 47:19 Room for growth in funding. 51:24 Feedback is crucial for growth. Please rate and review this podcast episode. Email info@mbalinwoko.com Subscribe to The Mbali Nwoko Podcast today!

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 types of farmers they are currently working with, and their plans for growth in the next five to ten years. Tune in to this exciting episode for insights into sustainable agriculture and the latest innovations in the industry. Please rate and review this podcast episode. Email info@mbalinwoko.com Subscribe to The Mbali Nwoko Podcast today!

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 timestamps: 04:21 Cheeba offers comprehensive cannabis education. 11:32 Innovative cannabis education and collaboration. 16:08 Promote credible information on cannabis. 17:00 Cannabis education is crucial. 22:36 Legalization of cannabis in Africa. 30:22 Research and collaborate for success. 32:52 Involvement in community development matters. Please rate and review this podcast episode. Email info@mbalinwoko.com Subscribe to The Mbali Nwoko Podcast today!

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 Syngenta's commitment to sustainability, its innovative approach to engaging with farmers through their marketing efforts, and how Christian and his team navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. Additionally, the challenges facing the agriculture sector in South Africa, such as high input costs and climate conditions, are discussed. Episode timestamps: 00:05:50 Supporting farmers through challenging times. 00:10:01 Promoting sustainable farming practices. 00:12:46 Diverse marketing message for growers. 00:22:35 Adapt marketing strategies to diverse markets. 00:25:03 Agriculture is constantly evolving. 00:31:09 Appreciate R&D behind product costs and new product launch. Please rate and review this podcast episode. Email info@mbalinwoko.com Subscribe to The Mbali Nwoko Podcast today!

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 podcast episode. Email info@mbalinwoko.com Subscribe to The Mbali Nwoko Podcast today!

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 insights into farming best practices. Moreover, Brastorne connects these farmers with essential stakeholders along the value chain, all through the convenience of their mobile devices, ensuring accessibility without straining their limited financial resources. At the forefront of this impactful venture is Naledi Magowe, Chief Growth Officer and Co-founder of Brastorne. With unwavering determination, Naledi has become a visionary leader, driving the mission of closing the digital divide in rural African communities. Through Brastorne's mobile solutions, she has already transformed the lives of over 2 million Africans, equipping them with knowledge, resources, and vital connectivity. Naledi's extensive expertise in Technology for Development (T4D) projects, strategy, and communications greatly contributes to the success of Brastorne's initiatives. Naledi's exceptional contributions have earned her recognition on esteemed media platforms such as BBC World, SABC News, CNBC Africa, and numerous others. These appearances serve as a testament to Naledi's impactful work and highlight the immense potential of Brastorne in empowering rural communities across Africa. Please rate and review this podcast episode. Email info@mbalinwoko.com Subscribe to The Mbali Nwoko Podcast today!

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 for consumers. Thabile also sheds light on the challenges faced by both consumers and the agri sector and explores potential solutions to mitigate the impact of food price inflation. Please rate and review this episode. Please rate and review this podcast episode. Email info@mbalinwoko.com Subscribe to The Mbali Nwoko Podcast today!

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 the impact they are making on communities in South Africa. Please rate and review this episode. Please rate and review this podcast episode. Email info@mbalinwoko.com Subscribe to The Mbali Nwoko Podcast today!

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 executive chair of the African food Changemakers, a home for 2500 entrepreneurs and approximately 150k users n the platform, and currently sits on multiple boards. With over two decades of experience in the private sector and international development organisations, Ndidi has established herself as a leading voice for agricultural transformation in Africa. She is a recipient of numerous awards, including the Vital Voices Global Leadership Award, the Eisenhower Fellowship, and the Harvard Business School Alumni Achievement Award. Ndidi is a dynamic speaker and writer, and her work has been featured in publications such as The Economist, The Guardian, and The New York Times. She is also a frequent keynote speaker at international conferences, sharing her insights on sustainable development, gender equity, and the role of the private sector in driving economic growth in Africa. Visit the following links: African Food Changemakers The Leading African Women in Food Fellowship Building Resilience Against Climate and Environmental Shocks (BRACE) Sahel Consulting Please rate and review this podcast episode. Please rate and review this podcast episode. Email info@mbalinwoko.com Subscribe to The Mbali Nwoko Podcast today!