What began as a small backyard garden in Gaborone has blossomed into Erba Farm, a successful agricultural business that supplies fresh herbs and vegetables to Shoprite.
Tshireletso Seoromeng founded the farm in Gabane, just 15 km west of Gaborone, out of necessity after her parents had to eliminate certain spices from their diet due to health concerns.
Driven by a desire to find flavourful and nutritious alternatives, Tshireletso immersed herself in herbs, transforming her passion into a thriving business that now benefits the local community.
The stable market and consistent demand allowed Erba Farm to significantly expand its operations since it began supplying herbs like coriander, parsley, and basil to Shoprite in 2021.
With this growth, Erba Farm also diversified its product range, introducing butternut, cabbage, and green beans in 2024.
“Shoprite is unique because it emphasises the freshness and quality of the products it sells, which aligns with our own values at Erba,” explains Tshireletso.
With the support of the growing programme, Erba Farm has been able to reinvest in its operations, now boasting greenhouses, drip irrigation systems, and a packaging facility that ensures their products reach Shoprite’s shelves in top condition.
Erba Farm’s growth has also created valuable job opportunities for young people in Gabane.
Tshireletso says that all her employees are under the age of 34, and she is committed to providing them with skills in sustainable farming, post-harvest techniques, and quality assurance.
