South African agri-tech startup SwiftVEE has secured a strategic collaboration with Nedbank Agribusiness, aimed at streamlining access to agricultural inputs through embedded finance.
Under the partnership, farmers using PrysWys—SwiftVEE’s online input marketplace—can now access finance from Nedbank directly through the platform. The move signals a growing shift in South African agriculture, where traditional value chains are being reengineered through tech platforms that connect farmers to finance, suppliers, and better pricing.
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PrysWys allows farmers to request quotes, compare prices, and purchase essentials like fertiliser, livestock feed, seed and fuel—all online. Now, with Nedbank in the mix, the platform becomes a one-stop procurement and finance channel for producers across the country.
“By embedding financial services directly into the supply chain, we’re supporting trade and sustainability at the same time,” says Desry Lesele, senior manager for agribusiness client value propositions at Nedbank Commercial Banking.
The collaboration comes as input costs continue to rise and many farmers—particularly smallholders—face growing pressure to maintain margins. Lesele says the aim is to improve both affordability and access, particularly for underbanked farmers.
Agriculture meets embedded finance
Embedded finance—the integration of financial tools directly into non-financial platforms—is one of the biggest trends in fintech globally. And while much of the attention has focused on e-commerce and retail, agriculture presents a high-impact use case in markets like South Africa.
“This is about reinventing agricultural value chains,” says Russel Luck, CEO of SwiftVEE. “From price transparency to access to scarce inputs, the PrysWys platform is designed to eliminate friction and improve access to trusted products. With Nedbank’s support, we’re turning that platform into a fully-enabled trade ecosystem.”
The partnership aligns with broader efforts to digitise and decarbonise agriculture, with both companies noting the sustainability benefits of reducing transport inefficiencies and streamlining procurement.
Why this matters for agri-tech and fintech startups
For startups operating at the intersection of fintech and supply chain innovation, the Nedbank–PrysWys model offers a blueprint for high-impact collaboration. It also signals a shift in how large incumbents like banks are approaching sector innovation—not just funding tech but embedding it into their client solutions.
As a local agri-tech player, SwiftVEE has already gained traction through its livestock auction platform and related tools. PrysWys expands that vision into the input market—where inefficiencies, pricing opacity, and access constraints have long been barriers for small-scale producers.
What’s on offer for farmers
Farmers who use PrysWys through this new model can expect:
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Access to wholesale input pricing
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Platform-based finance options through Nedbank
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National delivery and fulfilment
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Support from PrysWys’ procurement team
A model for scalable impact
Nedbank’s involvement not only validates the platform but positions it for broader scale, potentially setting a precedent for other sector-specific fintech collaborations. As South Africa looks to improve local food security, boost intra-regional trade, and lower the barriers to market entry for emerging farmers, digital platforms like PrysWys could play a pivotal role.
“When market leaders work together to innovate, there’s value unlocked for the entire ecosystem,” says Luck.
With financial inclusion, climate resilience and SME growth topping the national development agenda, partnerships like this one offer more than operational efficiency—they offer a way forward for agri-fintech in Africa.
