Picture: Signing the MoU are Phenyo Mogamisi, CEO of CIH Venture Capital, Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, NWU principal and vice-chancellor, Dr Anna Mokgokong, NWU chancellor and founder and group chairperson of Community Investment Holdings (CIH), and Duncan Raftesath, CEO of NWU Enterprises/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
11 August 2026 – The North West University (NWU) in partnership with Community Venture Capital (Pty) Ltd (CVC) and NWU Enterprises (Pty) LTD (NWUE), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 7 August 2026, to strengthen collaboration in agricultural development and community empowerment. The MoU, which aims to establish a strategic framework focused on agriculture financing, market access, logistics optimisations and business empowerment in South Africa and across the African region.
The North West University (NWU) principal and vice-chancellor, Professor Bismark Tyobeka said the MoU aims to promote inclusive economic growth, strengthen food security and develop sustainable agricultural value chains, while empowering smallholder farmers, rural enterprises and local cooperatives. Tyobeka said the objectives of the MoU are to develop innovative and creating accessible financing solutions to support smallholder farmers and emerging agri-businesses.
“This includes mobilising investment capital through blended finance models, public-private partnerships and institutional funding. It will also facilitate the entry of community-based producers and cooperatives into the mainstream supplier value chain, while supporting product aggregation, certification and quality assurance to meet retail and export standards.
“By collaborating on cost-effective logistics, warehousing cold chain solutions to enhance farm-to-market delivery, while exploring co-investment opportunities in logistics infrastructure in rural and agricultural hubs will strengthen logistics and supply chain optimisation,” he said.
Tyobeka further said they will strengthen business empowerment and skills development by implementing enterprise and suppliers’ development programmes, targeting women, young people and rural agricultural entrepreneurs and facilitating technical training, business mentorship and skills transfer in agribusiness management and innovation. He also highlighted the potential of the partnership to create meaningful opportunities for students, researchers and academic staff by linking teaching and research with practical industry engagement.
“Our farms will become laboratories, where students gain practical experience while contributing to agricultural innovation. Undergraduate students will develop hands-on skills, while postgraduate researchers will explore ways to improve crop resilience, increase yields and advance smart, water-efficient farming,” added Tyobeka.
He said at the same time, these opportunities will empower students to become entrepreneurs, support emerging farmers and contribute to the growth of rural communities. Tyobeka said this partnership expands far beyond agriculture.
“It will also focus on core social investments that are key to the economy like water and sanitation, energy, healthcare, housing, digitisation, logistics, mining and engineering, tourism and any other sector that contributes to poverty alleviation and improves economic participation for students and communities.
“Industry partners and government institutions that were present including Sanlam, ABSA, IDC, Gauteng Growth and Development Agency and Gauteng Enterprise Propeller,” he said.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the NWU chancellor and founder and group chairperson of Community Investment Holdings (CIH), Dr Anna Mokgokong, emphasised that universities should be active partners in the communities they serve. Mokgokong said that she has always regarded her role as chancellor as extending beyond ceremonial duties, using her experience to help reinforce the impact of the NWU and contribute meaningfully to the development of North West and beyond.
The Guardian 