Patrick Mambo: Journey from Cricket to Agri-Business Analytics

Patrick Mambo is a former Zimbabwe “A” Cricketer who opted to end his career early at the age of 25 to focus on a career in Business utilizing the degree he obtained from Stellenbosch University in South Africa. After his brief cricketing career, he spent the first few years of his Analytics career working at a prominent Analytics company in Zimbabwe called “Kalekt Analytics,” which operates within the FMCG/CPG Industry. It was there that he honed his skills and later used that grounding to start “Agrilytics” with his two partners, Atherton Squire and Tobias van Schalkwyk, after they identified a dire need for data-driven decisions within the Agricultural/Agri-Business Sector in Zimbabwe.

Cultivating the Future of Agri-Business with Cutting-Edge Analytics

With a growing demand for traceability from Farmers, Agri-Businesses, Investors, Banks, Global G.A.P, and various other Industry Stakeholders, they have developed a unique and robust suite of web and mobile applications to capture the necessary real-time and provide actionable Analytical insights.

Revolutionizing Farming with Agrilytics Technology

Agrilytics’ technology enables greater visibility to major stakeholders over critical processes and metrics, aiding and streamlining farm operations and data capture and enabling precision agriculture through the use of its Mobile and Web-driven suite, which harnesses fast and dynamic low-code environments, machine learning, and AI technology.

The team delivers real-time farm management data and employs advanced analytics for risk assessment and mitigation. By seamlessly integrating our technology into farming operations, we aim to revolutionize the agricultural industry in Zimbabwe and Africa, ultimately enhancing productivity, efficiency, and sustainability.

Approach to Proactive and Sustainable Farming

As a result of Agrilytics' technology, clients have become increasingly aware of their unique challenges and have been able to identify pressure points before they escalate into unmanageable problems with far-reaching consequences on their season’s production and revenue. Additionally, clients and their governing institutions have been equipped with the ability to make precise remedies to issues and, in many cases, avoid them altogether, thus saving time and money.

The use of Agrilytics' technology has eliminated reliance on paper and printed materials, which is not only an environmentally conscious decision but also a cost-effective and efficiency-driven one. The integration of this technology in the workplace has opened up new avenues for upskilling labor, enabling workers to enhance their skills and adapt to the evolving demands of the agricultural job market.

Ground-Up Growth

Agrilytics has distinguished itself from competitors by developing its technology on the ground with continuous input from farmers. Unlike other agri-software developers, Agrilytics is heavily involved in day-to-day farm operations, ensuring a deep understanding of the industry's needs and challenges.

Bridging the Digital Divide

The nature of technology means that implementing any of Agrilytics' suites may be immediately unattainable for small-scale farmers and those without reliable internet connectivity, particularly in remote areas. While the suite can function entirely offline, the initial launch of any application requires a stable internet connection to synchronize data.

Strategic Partnerships and Industry Impact

Three vital partnerships have played a significant role in driving Agrilytics forward. The first partnership involves Lauetta Farm, a prominent blueberry exporter, led by Alistair Campbell, former Zimbabwe Cricket Captain, and Lauetta Farm Director. This collaboration allowed Agrilytics to develop and evaluate their modules on-site, with Lauetta Farm being their pioneering client within the blueberry industry.

The second crucial partnership is with Millar Brothers, renowned players in the tobacco and avocado export sectors. Robert and Graham Millar provided Agrilytics with the opportunity to expand, tailor, and deploy their suite to them and other industry players.

The third essential partnership is with the Corporation of Zimbabwe Industries, providing Agrilytics with a platform to showcase their technology beyond Africa. Additionally, the Horticultural Development Council of Zimbabwe has been collaborating with Agrilytics to enhance its members' visibility, which has potential implications for collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture in Zimbabwe. All of these partnerships have served as outspoken advocates for Agrilytics, providing valuable case studies showcasing their effectiveness.