Mahlomola Masiloane’s journey began in Morija, Lesotho, rooted in a family where agriculture was essential. He learned the importance of resourcefulness and understanding the land from his father, who maintained a garden that supplied 80% of their food, and his mother, a successful entrepreneur. This environment inspired Mahlomola to pursue his own entrepreneurial path, eventually founding Box Organic.
“I didn’t just watch my parents; I lived their lessons,” Mahlomola says with pride. “My father balanced his corporate job with a sustainable garden, while my mother built businesses from the ground up. The work ethic, resourcefulness, and entrepreneurial spirit they embodied shaped everything I am today.”
Those formative years would define the direction of his life. “Looking back, I realize that my journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t just a career choice, it was a natural progression,” he reflects. The combination of agricultural knowledge, business acumen, and the strong work ethic he inherited from his parents would set him on a path to change the lives of many in Lesotho.
The Birth of Box Organic
The vision for Box Organic began when Mahlomola recognized a critical gap in Lesotho’s agricultural sector. Smallholder farmers were struggling with market access, logistics, and the lack of agricultural inputs. The sector, rich with potential, was in desperate need of support and structure.
“We saw how smallholder farmers were being left behind,” Mahlomola explains. “We asked ourselves, ‘How can we bridge this gap?’ The answer was clear: we needed to connect farmers with the resources and markets that were out of reach.”
With this, Box Organic was born, serving as an aggregation platform that connects small-scale farmers with the resources and markets they need to thrive. “We’re not just a business; we’re a lifeline for smallholder farmers,” he says passionately.
Box Organic serves to streamline the agricultural value chain by ensuring that farmers have access to produce sourcing, training, processing, and distribution networks that were once inaccessible.
Box Organic’s focus goes beyond simply sourcing and distributing products. It’s about social and economic transformation. “We empower farmers by providing them with training, resources, and market access,” Mahlomola shares.
“It’s not just about agriculture; it’s about building resilient communities. We’re fostering intergenerational equity and environmental sustainability, ensuring that farmers aren’t just surviving but thriving.”
Box Organic is also committed to ensuring quality at every step. “We collaborate with local suppliers to ensure that our products are top-notch,” Mahlomola says. “We’re investing in processing techniques and cold-chain logistics to guarantee the freshness and shelf life of everything we distribute.”
The Hardest Part Was Starting
Running a business like Box Organic is not without its challenges. Like many entrepreneurs, Mahlomola faced a tough start. “The biggest challenge I’ve faced was taking that first step,” he says, with a knowing smile.
“I was paralyzed by planning at first, unsure of how to begin. But once you take that first step, it all becomes clearer. It’s the hardest part, but it’s the part that separates dreamers from doers.”
For Mahlomola, entrepreneurship is about execution. “I believe we have a purpose to fulfill. These transformative ideas aren’t just our personal ambitions—they’re our calling,” he explains. “When I think about Box Organic, I think about our responsibility to execute with excellence. We need to give everything we’ve got, to ‘die empty’ knowing we’ve done what we were meant to do.”
While Box Organic is still in its growth phase, the impact is already visible. Mahlomola points to several success stories among smallholder farmers that have been empowered through their partnership with the company. “We’re beginning to see real change,” he says. “Our upcoming interview on LinkedIn will highlight the lives we’ve transformed, and we’re just getting started.”
Box Organic’s impact isn’t limited to Lesotho. “We’ve already seen the potential for expansion into neighboring countries,” Mahlomola notes, excited about the future. “Our first major step is to enter South Africa.
We’re already seeking partnerships there, and the plan is to expand to at least four countries during my tenure. The vision is clear: we’re building a regional network that can support agricultural communities across Southern Africa.”
AI, Innovation, and Expanding Horizons
Amidst all of this, Mahlomola hasn’t forgotten the core values that shaped him. “The most important lesson I’ve learned as an entrepreneur is the value of humility and mentorship,” he says, reflecting on his own journey.
“It’s not just about making money. True success comes from leaving a legacy. It’s about empowering others and creating positive change.”
His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple but profound: “Just start with what you have, and the rest will follow. God provides what you need, step by step. Find a good mentor, invest in self-development, and then commit to the journey.”
For Mahlomola, the journey is about more than just building a business; it’s about changing the agricultural landscape of Southern Africa. “I’m particularly excited about the role AI will play in agriculture,” he shares.
“We’re already working on implementing AgriFintech solutions in Lesotho and expanding agro-tourism, especially on our South African farm. These innovations will reshape the sector.”
Mahlomola believes that technology will play a crucial role in the future of agriculture, especially in Africa. “With the right tools and resources, we can solve some of the biggest challenges in farming,” he says. “The potential is limitless, and we’re ready to harness that potential to transform the industry.”
A Legacy of Transformation
Mahlomola’s journey is still unfolding, but his vision remains steadfast. He’s not just building a business—he’s shaping the future of agriculture in Southern Africa. His philosophy is clear: success is not about wealth or status, but about the impact you make.
“True success is not about accumulating wealth. It’s about empowering people and creating a positive legacy,” he says. “That’s what I’m focused on—leaving a legacy of transformation and progress.”
With Box Organic, Mahlomola Masiloane is doing just that—transforming the agricultural sector, one smallholder farmer at a time. And as the company expands, the seeds he has planted in Lesotho will grow to create an agricultural revolution across the region.
