Supported ventures

Abiri Innovations

Abiri Innovations (Pty) Ltd

Brands: Leshaka

Flagship product: Leshaka Livestock Tracking System

Founding team: Piet Mashita, Mpho Mashego, Mashaole Mogale, Mulalo Mauda, Kwena Moshidi

Application: An IoT- and GPS-enabled solution that provides real-time monitoring, geo-fencing, and security for livestock enclosures to protect rural farmers’ assets and improve management efficiency.

Sector/Industry: AgriTech / IoT Solutions

Subsector: Precision Agriculture, Livestock Security & Management

Year founded and commenced operations: 2023

Year partnered with TuksNovation: 2024

 

Description

Abiri Innovations (Pty) Ltd develops technology-driven solutions for rural communities and smallholder farmers. Its flagship product, the Leshaka Livestock Tracking System, leverages IoT and GPS-enabled devices to provide real-time monitoring, geo-fencing, and protection of livestock enclosures.

By addressing livestock theft and inefficient management practices, the system empowers farmers with affordable, data-driven insights to improve security, productivity, and livelihoods.

Growth Objectives

Abiri Innovations aims to scale the Leshaka Livestock Tracking System across South Africa and beyond by:

  • Completing prototype development and testing for kraal-based monitoring.
  • Conducting field pilots with rural households and smallholder farmers.
  • Expanding production and distribution nationally.
  • Building strategic partnerships with universities, agricultural cooperatives, NGOs, and government agencies.
  • Positioning Leshaka as a leading livestock security and precision agriculture solution in emerging markets.

Differentiation/Value Proposition

Leshaka stands out from competitors through its tailored, community-focused design and affordability.

  • Comprehensive enclosure protection so that every animal in the kraal is tracked, unlike competitors that tag only one.
  • Longer battery life and improved reliability compared to imported alternatives.
  • Advanced AI features, geo-fencing, and anomaly detection for enhanced security.
  • Affordable subscription model designed for rural and smallholder farmers.
  • Partnerships with universities, government, and NGOs to drive adoption and impact.

Business Stage/Phase

Abiri Innovations is at the early-stage growth phase, having validated market demand and completed proof-of-concept testing.

  • Prototype hardware and software development is underway.
  • Field pilots with 25+ paying customers and over 200 confirmed orders.
  • Growing demand from rural households, smallholder farmers, and potential interest from commercial farmers and the game industry.

Investment Stage/Phase

Currently in the seed-to-early expansion phase.

  • Requires funding to refine prototypes, conduct large-scale pilot testing, and scale production.
  • Preparing for mass manufacturing, marketing campaigns, and regulatory approvals.
  • Exploring partnerships to access subsidies and distribution networks for rural communities.

Investment Raised

Abiri Innovations has raised funding from the following sources so far:

  • Self-funded initial development.
  • Anza Capital (angel investors) – R700,000 for GPS livestock tracking device development.
  • SANSA NeoFrontiers Fund – R950,000 for product development, piloting, certification, and market expansion.