In Lesotho, one enterprising woman took a challenge of finding new markets for local dairy farmers and turned it into a successful business venture. Ntsiuoa Makoae, founder of Boiphihlelo, is today producing a popular range of dairy products that provide an income for local dairy farmers and a source of great nutrition for local consumers.
LoA found out more during a visit to Lesotho to host a Lioness Lean In event for women entrepreneurs in the country.
What does your company do?
At Boiphihlelo, we produce a range of high quality dairy products including yoghurt (set yoghurt, powdered yoghurt and drinking yoghurt), sour milk and pasteurized milk, and also a range of fruit juices (fruit cocktail and guava).
“At Boiphihlelo, we produce a range of high quality dairy products including yoghurt (set yoghurt, powdered yoghurt and drinking yoghurt), sour milk and pasteurized milk, and also a range of fruit juices (fruit cocktail and guava).”
What inspired you to start your company?
I have a bachelor degree in Education, I graduated in 2013 and ever since then I have never been employed. So in 2015, I applied for an entrepreneurial short course which was provided by UNESCO Lesotho. I realized that a lot of farmers were producing milk since it was part of primary school food. But when suddenly the ministry cut milk from the menu, most farmers were stranded because milk was only consumed in its natural state. So I decided that there was an opportunity to create a range of products with that milk that could be preserved to be used later.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
We only use real fruits in our products which act as both natural flavourants and colorants. In some of our products we also use some of Lesotho’s indigenous plants such as rose hip and prickly pear, which have many health benefits.
“In some of our products we also use some of Lesotho’s indigenous plants such as rose hip and prickly pear, which have many health benefits.”
Tell us a little about your team
Our team is very small, we have two skilled labourers and one unskilled worker. I do almost everything. I am working directly with a graduate in animal science who’s specific research is on milk, and another person who does most of the deliveries and other work, which is not strictly based on production, but she is slowly learning the processes.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I grew up in the rural area of Quthing. My mom, as a single parent, was working in South Africa to pay for our school fees, so I lived with my sister and struggled, so I don’t come from an entrepreneurial background. My company started in 2015, but it was not in full operation as at that time I knew nothing about yoghurt production. I learned most of the things I needed to know on Google and it was very difficult because there was no expertise available locally to consult with, so I had to seek information abroad. Unfortunately, even those who knew a bit about my industry were not willing to share their knowledge. I then attended an entrepreneurial bootcamp for a week and decided to do a short course on some dairy production in 2017. After most of the challenges I experienced in the production, my questions were answered.
“I want my company to be a leading brand and to be highly recognized globally. My aim is to employ more youth and to collect at least 10 000 Litres of milk daily from Lesotho's farmers.”
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
I want my company to be a leading brand and to be highly recognized globally. My aim is to employ more youth and to collect at least 10 000 Litres of milk daily from Lesotho's farmers.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
To see my customers appreciating my products; to be able to support other people and my community in many ways; and to see the company growing and be recognized.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
They should learn to be patient with everything, but most importantly, make sure that they do what they love and commit themselves fully to their work.
Contact or follow Boiphihlelo
FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | EMAIL makoaentsiuoa@gmail.com
Why LoA loves it….
They say that for many women entrepreneurs in Africa, the motivation to start a business comes from the need to create opportunities where none exist, both for themselves and for others in their community. In Lesotho, Ntsiuoa Makoae is one such entrepreneur. She had a need to create a job for herself in the first instance, and taking the opportunities to train and learn new skills, she saw a gap in the market and took the initiative. Today, her entrepreneurial venture is creating not just a sound business future for herself, but for the farmers in her locally community who were in need of her innovation and business acumen too. Ntsiuoa is an inspiration! — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa