Kgodiso Fund fuels Khula! for agricultural revolution

In a significant move for South Africa’s agricultural landscape, Khula!, an agritech digital ecosystem, welcomed the Kgodiso Development Fund as its latest investor during an exclusive event in Johannesburg.

The Kgodiso Fund, an independent entity established by PepsiCo South Africa, emerged from the acquisition of Pioneer Foods in 2020. This investment marks a pivotal step toward empowering emerging farmers and fostering economic growth within the agricultural sector.

Khula! stands as a pioneering agri-tech platform designed to integrate small and medium agricultural enterprises, commercial farmers, and distributors into the agricultural value chain. Founded by South African entrepreneurs Karidas Tshintsholo, Jackson Dyora, and Matthew Piper, Khula! leverages disruptive technologies to bridge the gap between farmers, input suppliers, buyers, and financial resources within a connected digital ecosystem.

“The partnership with the Kgodiso Fund is a significant milestone for Khula! as it aligns with our vision of empowering farmers and addressing market access challenges,” expressed CEO Karidas Tshintsholo. “This investment will drive our mission to revolutionize how emerging farmers access sustainable financing and scale our operations.”

Setlakalane Molepo, chairman of the Kgodiso Fund, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, citing a shared commitment to empower emerging farmers and promote regenerative agricultural practices.

“Our investment and partnership with Khula! align with our commitment to building agri-business resilience and supporting sustainable farming enterprises,” Molepo stated.

Eugene Willemsen, CEO of PepsiCo Africa, Middle East, and South Asia, emphasized the strategic significance of collaborating with innovators like Khula! to address local developmental challenges.

“Strategic partnerships with innovators such as Khula! help address knowledge and skills gaps across the South African food system,” Willemsen remarked. “This collaboration opens up new routes to market for farmers and producers.”

PepsiCo’s involvement through the Kgodiso Fund aligns with its broader commitment to socioeconomic development, education, and enterprise empowerment within its value chain. With an initial investment of R600 million, the fund aims to co-create innovative solutions, driving economic growth, and supporting small, medium, and micro enterprises.

Khula! welcomes PepsiCo and the Kgodiso Fund to its existing roster of shareholders, including Absa, AECI, and E-squared, each contributing unique strengths to the ecosystem. Tshintsholo expressed gratitude for the partnership, foreseeing substantial opportunities to expand operations and bolster market access for South Africa’s emerging farmers.

The collaboration between Khula!, the Kgodiso Fund, and PepsiCo underscores a collective commitment to transform South Africa’s agricultural landscape, fostering sustainable farming practices, economic growth, and a resilient food system.

For further information, visit Kgodiso Development Fund and PepsiCo South Africa.

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