Mpumalanga’s transition to a greener economy could create new opportunities for small businesses, but entrepreneurs need access to finance, infrastructure and markets to turn sustainable ideas into viable enterprises.
This is the case for Emalahleni-based entrepreneur Karabo Ngobeni, whose sustainable agriculture business, Ma Flo Farm, won the 2026 Mpumalanga MSME Green Innovation Challenge and received R150 000 in sponsorship from Seriti Green.
The funding would be invested in equipment and infrastructure needed to increase the farm’s production capacity.
“It will help us grow in terms of purchasing the equipment that will enable us to broaden the business in terms of ensuring that we have basic irrigation, we have fencing for the protection of our plants, and also the net, shade net,” said Ngobeni.
The investment is particularly important because of the weather conditions in Emalahleni. “Since it is a Highveld area,” Ngobeni said, the improvements would place the business “in a good position for the weather conditions that are around Emalahleni.”
Turning environmental challenges into opportunities
Ma Flo Farm is positioning itself within the green economy through organic farming and environmental rehabilitation.
“Absolutely. I see and envisage Ma Flo Farm broadening and growing the green economy in Mpumalanga, since we are applying organic farming systems,” Ngobeni said.
The business is also exploring how agriculture can contribute to environmental restoration, including the rehabilitation of previously dumped mine land.
“We are also ensuring that we are promoting environmental restoration through the rehabilitation of our dumped mine lands, ensuring that we are practising sustainable agricultural practices,” she said.
For other MSMEs, the business model highlights how environmental challenges can create opportunities for enterprises offering sustainable products and services.
The Green Innovation Challenge attracted 92 applicants from all three districts of Mpumalanga, with 30 businesses shortlisted before 12 finalists were selected. The finalists presented solutions spanning renewable energy, the circular economy, sustainable agriculture, and water and land management.
Growth could create jobs
For Ma Flo Farm, expanding production could also create employment opportunities.
Ngobeni said the business aims to create jobs for young people, women over 35 and people living with disabilities.
“We do see ourselves creating more jobs, possibly for women over the age of 35, and also young people.”
The business plans to achieve this by increasing the amount of land under cultivation. “ We have a larger scale of planting. Then that means we’re going to create more jobs. If we cultivate more hectares, then we’re going to need more labour, and that is us promoting employment for our youth and for our women and people living with disabilities.” Said Ngobeni
Beyond the prize money
While the R150 000 provides an immediate boost, the broader opportunity for participating MSMEs lies in accessing markets, investment and partnerships.
The Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency’s acting chief executive officer, Nkosinathi Nkonyane, said the initiative was designed to create an impact beyond the competition. “The Green Innovation Challenge is more than a competition; it is a catalyst for change. By providing a platform for entrepreneurs and innovators, we are driving solutions that strengthen communities, create green jobs, and accelerate Mpumalanga’s transition to a sustainable economy. These finalists represent the creativity and resilience that will define South Africa’s future.”
Second place went to JumpStart Your Career, a renewable energy business from Ehlanzeni, which received R75 000, while Thlompho Investments, a sustainable agriculture business from Nkangala, took third place with R50 000.
For Mpumalanga’s MSMEs, the challenge demonstrates that the province’s green transition could open new markets for businesses that can provide sustainable solutions.
For Ngobeni, however, success will ultimately be measured by whether the investment helps Ma Flo Farm increase production, reach new customers and create jobs while contributing to environmental restoration.
