In the heart of Alice, Eastern Cape, Ulibo Lokuqala Agricultural Enterprise is proving that women-led agribusiness can be a powerful driver of economic change. Founded in 2020 by a dynamic team of three women and one man, this youth-led, predominantly female-owned enterprise began with little more than determination, self-funding their dream through recycling initiatives.

From a single hectare, they have grown to manage 20 hectares of productive farmland, supplying fresh produce across the Eastern Cape and even crossing borders into Lesotho. Their big breakthrough came in 2024 when the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) awarded them over R660,000 for production inputs, equipment, and infrastructure. The Department of Agriculture further boosted their growth with a tractor, implements, and ongoing technical support.

This coordinated government backing, paired with the team s unwavering commitment, has fuelled market expansion, job creation, and community upliftment. They partner with institutions like the University of Fort Hare, Lovedale TVET College, and Fort Cox Training Institute to run skills-transfer programmes, addressing unemployment while building local capacity.

Their success is more than just agricultural productivity it s social transformation in action. They are cultivating hope, dignity, and opportunities for women and youth to thrive.

Co-founder Amahle Bokveld reflects:

When it comes to celebrating Women s Day, not only are we celebrating the struggle, but we are celebrating the strength of a woman because when you speak of a woman, you are speaking of the embodiment of strength and courage.”

With resilience, innovation, and purpose at their core, Ulibo Lokuqala Agricultural Enterprise is sowing the seeds of a future where women lead boldly, transform communities, and inspire the next generation.