In the heart of Ga-Maphoto, a rural village nestled in the Limpopo province, 22-year-old Matlhane Thabiso Maphoto is proving that the future of South African farming isn’t just about the size of your land—it’s about the strength of your data.
Recently honoured in the 2025 Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans (Agriculture), Maphoto has become a symbol of a new generation of “agripreneurs.” By combining a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) with a grassroots passion for livestock, he is dismantling the barriers that have historically kept smallholder farmers in the shadows of the formal economy.
The “Agric-Accounting” Advantage
Maphoto’s journey didn’t start in a boardroom; it started on a two-hectare farm where he managed a 30-cattle herd alongside his father. However, it was his financial training at UJ that allowed him to see the farm through a different lens. He realized that while many rural farmers are skilled producers, they are often “digitally excluded” from the markets that determine their profitability.
“Farming is the future,” his father always told him. But for Maphoto, that future required a digital bridge. This led to the creation of AgricShare Africa, a social enterprise designed to turn subsistence farming into a sustainable business.
Lean Tech: Meeting Farmers Where They Are
One of the most innovative aspects of AgricShare Africa is its “lean tech” approach. Recognising that 85% of Limpopo’s farmers—and many nationwide—lack high-end smartphones or expensive data, Maphoto moved away from complex apps. Instead, he built a digital hub using the tools farmers already have: WhatsApp and Instagram.
This hybrid model provides three critical pillars of support:
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Market Intelligence: Real-time livestock auction data and crop prices, allowing farmers to negotiate fairly with commercial buyers.
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Climate-Smart Training: Practical workshops on drought-resistant techniques and solar-powered irrigation.
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National Connectivity: Linking farmers to bursaries, funding opportunities, and a network of mentors across South Africa.
A National Blueprint for Youth Empowerment
Though born in the Capricorn District, AgricShare Africa is far from a regional project. It has evolved into a national blueprint for youth inclusion in agriculture. Maphoto has already facilitated over 100 bursary applications for aspiring agricultural students and has successfully lobbied for rural broadband expansion in Tzaneen, arguing that internet access is as vital as water for modern farming.
His work directly addresses the stark reality that 70% of South African youth currently view farming as unprofitable. By showcasing the business side of agriculture—from balance sheets to market trends—Maphoto is changing that perception.
The Road Ahead: The Agri-Youth Hub
Looking forward, Maphoto is currently securing support for a dedicated Agri-Youth Hub. This center will serve as a physical extension of his digital platform, providing hands-on training in financial literacy and climate-resilient farming.
As South Africa grapples with the dual challenges of food security and youth unemployment, leaders like Matlhane Maphoto offer a compelling answer. Through AgricShare Africa, he is proving that when you empower a farmer with a smartphone and a ledger, you don’t just grow a crop—you build an economy.