South Africa’s agricultural sector continues to evolve, with targeted programmes helping smallholder and emerging farmers transition into sustainable commercial enterprises. One such initiative is the Nedbank Agri-business Incubator Programme, implemented in partnership with the Agricultural Development Agency (AGDA).
According to Aisha Dhaler, project coordinator at AGDA, the programme goes beyond financial support by offering a structured growth pathway. “The Nedbank Agri-business Incubator Programme was designed to provide comprehensive financial, technical, and educational support to smallholder and small commercial farmers,” says Dhaler.
“In partnership with AGDA, the Nedbank Agri-business Incubator aims to support farmers who are already active in the agricultural sector by offering strategic funding, access to markets, and key resources that will enable them to grow their businesses and become meaningful employers, entrepreneurs, and positive contributors to the green economy,” she adds.
From support to scale
One of the beneficiaries is Koketso Mofokeng, a diversified farmer working across sheep production, cut flowers, vegetables, compost, and a seedling nursery. Mofokeng also runs an online training platform, Diatla Agri Academy, aimed at equipping farmers with practical skills.
Through the programme, Mofokeng has strengthened the foundation of the business.
“With the program I was able to move from leasing a farm to establishing my own farm that I have purchased. Installing a water reservoir and fixing infrastructure,” Mofokeng explains.
The incubator’s first year supported 20 farmers across five provinces with grant funding, mentorship and targeted training.
The incubator’s first year supported 20 farmers across five provinces with grant funding, mentorship and targeted training.
“In its inaugural year, the initiative focused on 20 farmers across 5 provinces. These farmers received continuous support in the form of grant funding, mentorship, and strategic educational interventions to equip them with the tools and knowledge to transform their farms into fully-fledged commercial enterprises,” Dhaler explains.
Skills, networks and opportunity
For Khanyi, founder of Zikhanyi Trading Enterprise in rural KwaZulu-Natal, the programme has been equally transformative. Starting with just 40 birds, she now runs a 680–700 bird broiler operation alongside vegetable production.
“To be part of these programmes has played a critical role in my personal and business development. It empowered me with skills, confidence, resources, and opportunities that have transformed my farming business,” she says.
“The program began with an intensive training phase that equipped me with valuable knowledge and practical experience in the business industry as a whole. Through this training, I obtained four certificates in Business Management, Poultry Production, Crop Production and Horticulture,” Khanyi adds.
Her journey also included international exposure and access to funding and infrastructure.
“I also successfully secured R80,000 in funding, along with mentorship, resources to further develop my business… Through this mentorship, I received a poultry structure with a capacity of 700 birds as well as a borehole, which greatly improved my production capacity and sustainability,” she explains.
Building a connected ecosystem
Dhaler emphasises that AGDA’s role is to ensure long-term impact beyond initial support.
“Its involvement is important because it helps ensure that farmer support programmes move beyond short-term training and funding into sustainable commercial integration, partnerships, and market participation,” she says.
Through the network, AGDA links farmers to real opportunities across the agricultural value chain, improving their chances of long-term success.
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