Arabuntu
Empowering Women Agripreneurs in Africa
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Arabuntu, a name symbolizing the harmonious blend of Arabic and Ubuntu philosophies shared by the program co-creators - Stratecis and SAWIL - serves as an impact accelerator, focusing on empowering women who are predominantly engaged in informal, micro-scale, low-productivity, and low-return ventures in agriculture and farming. These women entrepreneurs face substantial barriers to growth and success.
What is Arabuntu?
Why is it needed?
Despite the rise of rural women entrepreneurs in South Africa, their contributions are often overlooked due to significant barriers like limited financial access, lack of skills, and restrictive societal norms.
The Arabuntu Project tackles these challenges by offering comprehensive support, including funding, training, and mentorship, to empower women entrepreneurs in agriculture. This initiative is especially crucial as it helps them overcome climate adversities that threaten agriculture, food security, and community well-being.
The Arabuntu Impact Accelerator
Arabuntu will kick off its program by launching the Arabuntu Impact Accelerator, a year-long pilot to empower 10 female agripreneurs in Bofulo, South Africa. This initiative aims to enhance their financial resilience and sustainable growth amidst climate change challenges threatening agriculture and food security.
The program will provide:
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Training & mentorship in social entrepreneurship, climate literacy, and financial literacy;
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Farming & agriculture best practices;
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Targeted funding;
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Community engagement and experience-sharing.
Timeline
Phase 1
March - April 2024
Establishment of the first cohort made of 10 women agripreneurs
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Phase 2
April/May – Aug 2024
Incubation Program
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Phase 3
Aug/Sept 2024 – Dec 2024
Acceleration Program for selected agripreneurs
Phases 1 & 2 Progress
Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) Training:
Participants were trained and equipped with the techniques to optimize yields and build resilience against climate change.
Meet our Agripreneurs
Ennie Mokhuoa
Expanding farming, sharing produce with the community, improving water access, and protecting crops from livestock.
Mosidi Seate
Extending the growing season throughout the year.
Nnuku Mariti
Achieving sustainable income.
Motlagomang Nyokong
Becoming self-sufficient and improving the family's well-being.
Mmanketeng Nyokong
Creating sustainable income through professional farming.
Sedike Nyokong
Generating food and income for the household.
Masingwaneng Nyokong
Creating a successful family business, inspiring children to join the project, and improving food security.
Mpuisang Poonyane
Becoming self-sufficient and helping others.
Matshediso Vinger
Improving water access and protecting crops with fencing.
Letia Malebo
Creating a sustainable income stream for the family.
Stratecis is a sustainability and climate action enabler that co-creates platforms, initiatives, and programs, to foster meaningful connections, support emerging leaders, and accelerate climate tech innovation, amplifying their impact.
SAWIL is a vehicle for women leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals in Africa seeking to advance their careers through leadership training, executive coaching, entrepreneurship training, masterclasses, board training, mentorship and networking.