Karidas Tshintsholo is Powering Africa’s Agricultural Future Through Innovation

As the co-founder and CEO of Khula!, he is leading a digital revolution in the agricultural sector—one that is focused on improving how farmers access markets, secure resources, and grow sustainable businesses.

Karidas grew up in Ekangala, a township outside Pretoria. Raised by a single mother in a modest RDP house, he understood early on what it meant to work hard and make the most of limited opportunities.

His entrepreneurial spirit kicked in young—he and his friends built wire cars and sold them around the neighborhood. That early exposure to business would later evolve into a career defined by purpose-driven innovation.

He went on to study commerce at the University of Cape Town.

While still a student, Karidas co-founded MoneyTree Group, a youth-focused media and marketing agency.

At the same time, he served as Executive Project Manager for Investor Games at UCT’s Investment Society, deepening his understanding of business ecosystems and the power of well-organized networks.

But it was Khula! that would become his most impactful venture.

Founded in 2017 alongside co-founders Matthew Piper and Jackson Dyora, Khula! is a digital ecosystem designed specifically to serve small- and medium-scale farmers in South Africa and beyond.

The platform is made up of three main products: an Inputs App that lets farmers order certified seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and equipment from top suppliers; a Fresh Produce Marketplace where farmers can list their goods and reach buyers directly; and a Farmer Dashboard, which offers access to funding opportunities and training resources.

The problem Khula! solves is one that affects millions of African farmers: limited access to markets, fragmented supply chains, and lack of trust between producers and buyers.

By digitizing the entire process—from input to sale—Khula! helps farmers become more productive, more profitable, and more competitive in both local and international markets.

The platform has grown significantly, and now connects farmers with over 100 input suppliers and operates across more than 130 warehouses.

It has helped unlock access to markets for thousands of farmers and has attracted interest from both investors and agricultural stakeholders.

In 2021, Khula! raised $1.3 million in seed funding from AECI, a major African chemicals group, and E Squared Investments to support its expansion efforts.

Karidas believes that supporting African farmers is not just about agriculture—it’s about creating wealth at the grassroots level, building food security, and helping the continent grow on its own terms.

His work with Khula! has earned him widespread recognition. In 2023, he was featured on the cover of Forbes Africa, and he currently serves on the Southern Africa Council of the International Fresh Produce Association. In 2024, he was named Most Influential CEO in Gauteng by CEO Monthly.