In the heart of South Africa’s agricultural landscape, a digital revolution is underway, spearheaded by Khula, an agritech startup that is redefining the way farmers connect with markets, funding, and expertise. This transformation is not happening in isolation, but with the robust backing of PepsiCo’s Kgodiso Development Fund, which has recently invested $6.7 million in Khula’s Series A funding round in March 2025.
The partnership between Khula and PepsiCo is a strategic move to address some of the most pressing challenges in African agriculture, including limited market access and a staggering $65 billion financing gap. The Kgodiso Fund, established in 2020 with a $32.7 million endowment, is dedicated to supporting Black farmers and agribusinesses. Through this collaboration, PepsiCo has become Khula’s largest buyer, offering farmers a guaranteed market for their produce.
Khula’s digital platform is a triad of interconnected services. The Fresh Produce Marketplace facilitates direct farmer-to-buyer connections, while the Inputs App provides access to over 5,000 farming products. The Funder Dashboard, on the other hand, links farmers to low-interest loans, fostering financial inclusion. The platform’s latest innovation is an AI-powered tool that enables farmers to diagnose crop issues, such as diseased tomatoes, by simply uploading a photo.
Since its inception in 2021, Khula has seen exponential growth, with its user base surpassing 20,000 and its valuation increasing tenfold. The startup is now setting its sights on global expansion, with pilot projects underway in East Africa and Latin America, leveraging PepsiCo’s extensive supply chain.
Khula’s mission is to empower farmers through digital tools, financial support, and market access, ultimately reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing agricultural productivity. As the startup continues to scale, it is poised to reshape the agricultural landscape, not just in Africa, but across the globe.