Agripreneur programme unlocks job opportunities

Nedbank has joined forces with African Greeneurs, contributing R6,5 million through its Enterprise and Supplier Development programme to facilitate the participation of 20 young South Africans in the Enterprising Africa Regional Network (EARN) agripreneur development programme.

Launched in September 2023, EARN is designed to nurture young talent in the agriculture sector by giving them a comprehensive curriculum. This curriculum aims to arm these young agripreneurs with the essential technical and business skills needed to establish their own profitable, sustainable and growth-oriented commercial agribusinesses.

The programme kicks off with a three-month activation phase, which includes a thorough assessment and selection of candidates, followed by intensive on-site skills development. This stage offers practical business experience and insights into the technical aspects of agribusiness, investment readiness training and the formulation of an initial development plan. The plan covers an assessment of the land allocated to the trainees and evaluates its soil and water quality.

The subsequent nine months, known as the accelerate phase, provide trainees with practical experience through the completion of a one-season growing cycle. This hands-on experience encompasses working with farm operations, infrastructure and facilities vital for running growth-oriented agribusinesses. Trainees also receive ongoing coaching and mentoring.

Kobang Maluleka, managing director at African Greeneurs, said the programme’s goal was to create an enabling environment for African entrepreneurs to grow profitable and sustainable businesses that can compete on regional, national and international levels. Features include a candidate assessment and selection process and an exit strategy that equips learners with additional tools for success. This strategy includes post-training and placement, connecting graduates to funders, suppliers, coaches, mentors, and providing access to processing infrastructure, markets, logistics and other invaluable support.

Nirmala Reddy, Nedbank’s senior manager for Enterprise Development, emphasised the bank’s commitment to supporting community development, entrepreneurship, job creation and developing a sustainable and robust social structure in South Africa. The partnership with African Greeneurs was a testament to this commitment, with the programme’s use of modern agricultural methods, infrastructure and technology enabling agripreneurs to produce high-quality yields, generate income, trigger job creation and contribute to the betterment of their communities.

Maluleka envisioned an ambitious goal of settling 10 agripreneurs on their own productive land per quarter. Over five years, this would result in a minimum of 200 agripreneurs completing the 12-month programme. –