Tololi's agricultural pivot

In a move set to revolutionise Namibia's agricultural landscape, digital start-up Tololi Online has undertaken a remarkable pivot. Partnered with the United Nations' World Food Programme (WFP), Tololi is now a key player in the creation of an innovative e-commerce platform connecting farmers based in the north directly to markets for their fresh produce."The partnership with the WFP is a game-changer for Tololi. It's not just about profit any more; it's about making a difference through technology," said CEO and founder Fillemon Nangolo."The platform bridges the gap between farmers and markets, creating opportunities for both. It's a win-win situation," noted Edilson Zau, Tololi co-founder.The WFP, renowned for its involvement in over 30 integrated food-system projects across Namibia, has thrown its weight behind this initiative. Head of programme Daison Ngirazi has previously stressed the importance of harnessing such innovative platforms to exploit market gaps, thereby creating jobs and generating income for the country's youth.The partnership between Tololi and WFP is further solidified by a memorandum of understanding (MoU), a testament to their commitment to cooperation and mutual growth."Signing an eight-year MoU with the WFP is a remarkable milestone for us. It shows the depth of our commitment to making a lasting impact," Nangolo said.Significant transformationFounded in 2019, Tololi's journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Originally an Instagram-based store specialising in importing goods from China, Tololi underwent a significant transformation to its current agreement with the WFP."I'm thrilled about the pivot. It's about using our technology for a greater good, and that's a mission worth pursuing," Nangolo said.Looking ahead, he acknowledged the ever-changing nature of technology, which may necessitate further adjustments to their trajectory. He emphasised their commitment to staying ahead of the curve and providing top-notch services to their clientele."We're in this for the long haul. We'll keep evolving to meet the needs of our users and the changing times."Nangolo revealed that the pilot phase of the project has already connected over 60 farmers to their platform. Furthermore, Tololi has ambitious plans to make 50 000 heads of cabbage available for purchase by local retailers from their network of smallholder farmers by the end of September. Farmers who would like to form part of the network, as well interested retailers looking to purchase cabbage through Tololi can visit tololi.com and join the waitlist.

Tololi's agricultural pivot

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-14

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Tololi's agricultural pivot

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-14

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