Six months after being selected as part of Metropolitan’s Season 4 Top 10 Collective Shapers, a cohort of young South African entrepreneurs is beginning to show early signs of business growth, sector expansion and improved operational capacity across agriculture, logistics, healthcare and innovation.
Their progress comes at a time when South Africa’s small business sector continues to play a critical role in economic growth and job creation. According to the Absa Small Business Growth Index, South Africa’s estimated 2.67 million SMMEs contribute around 34% of GDP and support approximately 11.4 million jobs, while small and medium enterprises account for around 60% of employment in the formal sector. Yet access to funding, mentorship and growth opportunities remains a challenge for many entrepreneurs seeking to scale their businesses.
The Metropolitan Collective Shapers programme supports youth-owned businesses through mentorship, skills development, funding exposure, market access opportunities and personal branding, with the aim of helping entrepreneurs transition into sustainable, scalable enterprises.
Across the cohort, entrepreneurs report growing confidence, improved business direction and early-stage expansion as they respond to market challenges while building for long-term sustainability.
Agriculture business focuses on expansion and production growth
BB Agric Produce founder Bokamoso Dhlamini says the business is in a critical growth phase, with increasing demand driving plans to expand production capacity through the acquisition of additional agricultural land.
Despite ongoing sector challenges such as funding constraints and market pressures, the business has maintained stable production while strengthening its long-term sustainability strategy.
“As BB Agric Produce continues to grow, my current goal is to secure additional agricultural land to expand crop production and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the business,” Dhlamini said.
Logistics entrepreneur expands into freight and mining supply chains
NGI4 Xpress founder Thobani Zungu has expanded his business model from courier services into freight and trucking logistics, responding to increasing competition in the small parcel delivery sector.
The business now operates through a coordination model, working with owner-drivers to fulfil logistics contracts across multiple sectors, including mining. This approach has enabled the company to scale its operations while building partnerships within the logistics industry.
Key milestones include becoming an approved supplier to Ergo Mining and receiving industry recognition through two 2026 awards: Emerging Logistics Provider of the Year and Rising Star in Logistics & Transport.
Zungu says the business is now focused on acquiring its own fleet to improve scalability, efficiency and profitability.
“Our goal is to acquire our own truck and expand our fleet over time, which will strengthen our position in the logistics industry and enable us to secure larger contracts,” he said.
Rural pharmacy strengthens healthcare access through delivery innovation
MPR-MED Pharmacy founder Mokgadi Ramatladi is strengthening healthcare access in underserved rural communities through expanded service delivery and innovation.
The business has introduced home medication delivery services supported by a scooter-based distribution model, aimed at improving access for patients with mobility and transport challenges.
“What keeps me going is knowing that many people in my community depend on the services we provide. Access to healthcare in rural areas remains a challenge, and I am motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference,” Ramatladi said.
Agritech innovator gains international recognition
Agritech entrepreneur Bongiwe Nyawo is developing a drone-based agricultural solutions business that has already gained international recognition.
Her work has been selected among the Top 20 UN Agritech and Aquatech innovative businesses and she has been recognised as a 2026 UKZN and EDTEA Social Entrepreneur Champion.
She is currently working towards acquiring a BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) drone licence to expand operational capacity and service offerings.
“I am more confident and assertive in my skills and business offering, and focused on building solutions that contribute to long-term sustainability,” Nyawo said.
Building sustainable impact across sectors
Across all four entrepreneurs, a clear theme is emerging: early-stage businesses are transitioning into structured, growth-oriented enterprises with increasing commercial and social impact potential.
From agriculture and logistics to healthcare and innovation, the Collective Shapers are beginning to strengthen their positions within key sectors of the South African economy.
Nkosinathi Mahlangu, Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship Portfolio Head for Momentum Group and who works with the entrepreneurs says the programme is designed to support transitions such as this by providing tailored mentorship, exposure and strategic development support to help entrepreneurs scale sustainably.
“Young people are smart and determined and all they need is the right kind of support to get them to a place where they are able to sustain themselves, their families and their communities,” he said.
As the cohort progresses, focus will increasingly shift toward expansion, market access and long-term impact creation within their respective industries and communities.