Meet Mogale Maleka, the inspiration behind Agang Bokamoso Farms, who’s just clinched a spot among the top 24 semi-finalists in the 2024 GoGettaz agripreneur competition. Out of nearly 2 000 applicants spanning 17 African countries, Maleka stands proudly as the only South African to have made the cut.
Maleka and his partner, Tumelo Pule, both mechanical engineers, have innovated a pipe system ensuring continuous water access for plants, even during power shortages or pump failures. AB Farms is based in Westonaria, Gauteng.
Maleka told Food For Mzansi, “At AB Farms, we are excited to have made it into the top 24. This achievement is an indication to ourselves and the entire continent that we, as a proudly South African business, can go toe to toe with the best on the continent.”
Strive Masiyiwa, co-founder of GoGettaz and chairman of Econet Group, expressed his enthusiasm for this year’s cohort. He said, “Their innovative agrifood businesses, and the impactful work of so many others who have taken part in the GoGettaz competition over the years, are crucial for growing prosperity and food security across the continent.
“Our GoGettaz entrepreneurs are not just sitting around waiting for problems to be solved; they are busy working to solve them – inventing climate-friendly solutions and using new technologies to tackle ages-old challenges in this critical sector. We are so proud of them.”
Celebrating innovation and impact in African agriculture
Svein Tore Holsether, co-founder and CEO of Yara International, echoed these sentiments, praising the competition for uncovering transformative talent across Africa.
“The impact of GoGettaz goes far beyond the competition itself, as we uncover more and more talent and innovation across Africa. I am thrilled with the quality of this year’s competitors and excited to see the opportunities and collaboration emerging to accelerate progress towards a more resilient and food-secure Africa”
The competition’s finalists are vying for two grand prizes of $50 000 (nearly R900 000) each, alongside $60 000 (about R1 million) in Impact Awards recognising ventures that demonstrate outstanding community benefit and align with sustainable development goals.
Past winners have gone on to shake up agricultural practices across Africa, exemplifying the competition’s role in catalysing innovation and social impact.
Click here to meet the top 24 finalists in this year’s GoGettaz agripreneur competition.
