Environmental Sustainability Agency

What Environmental Sustainability Agency does

Environmental Sustainability Agency (ESA) is a South African for-profit enterprise founded in 2017 by Clive Poultney, headquartered in Johannesburg, that partners with land-owning communities through recognised structures such as Communal Property Associations (CPAs) and Trusts to develop rural agri-wildlife economies. The company establishes and operates agri-wildlife hubs on community-owned land across KwaZulu-Natal, North West, and Limpopo provinces, with three main sites (Mayibuye at 4,680 ha, Baphiring at 3,000 ha, and Highveld at 8,000 ha) serving 454-plus land claimants and indigenous communities such as the Barolong bo Modiboa people.

ESA's core offerings include the Wildlife Economy Business Incubator model (operationalised through KWEBI), the Climate Smart EcoFarm system (producing 1.5 tons of fodder, 500 litres of milk, and 2,000 eggs per day on 5 hectares), the Community Cattle regenerative farming model, a 20-hectare blueberry farm, a 12-hectare pomegranate farm, and the African Intergenerational Leadership Hub (AIGLH). The company generates revenue through managed services, enterprise development fees, supply chain facilitation, agricultural product sales to tourism and local markets, and equity stakes in incubated SMMEs. Strategic partners include Southern African Wildlife College, Peace Parks Foundation, MAVA Foundation, Madikwe Futures Company (representing 33 lodges in Madikwe Game Reserve), Common Purpose South Africa, Nuffic, and the South African Department of Environmental Affairs, which provided R10 million in EPIP grant funding for KWEBI infrastructure. ESA is founder-owned, bootstrapped, and operates with a team of 5 employees.

Name

Environmental Sustainability Agency

Legal name

Environmental Sustainability Agency

Website

https://esawild.co.za

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Environmental Sustainability Agency is a South African for-profit enterprise founded in 2017 that partners with land-owning communities to develop rural agri-wildlife economies through business incubators, climate-smart farms, and regenerative cattle models across KwaZulu-Natal, North West, and Limpopo.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Conservation and Rural Development Services

NAICS

Support Activities for Agriculture and Forestry (115), Support Activities for Crop Production (11511), Support Activities for Animal Production (11521)

SIC

Agricultural Services (700)

akta.pro primary industry

Nature, Biodiversity & Ecosystem Conservation (BPADALAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems (BPAGAGAI), Sustainable Agriculture, Food Systems & Land Management (BPADALAG), Capital Projects & Farm Expansion Advisory (Feasibility, Site Planning, ROI) (AFACAJAN), Grassland/Rangeland Management & Restoration (EUABABAF)

Keywords

• Agri-wildlife development
• Wildlife business incubation
• Conservation consulting services
• Rural economic development
• Climate smart agriculture

Headquarters

HQ city

Johannesburg

HQ country

South Africa

HQ region

Africa

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Agri-wildlife Enterprise Development: ESA develops sustainable food production businesses on community-owned land, establishes supply chain enterprises, and secures offtake agreements into local and international markets. ESA acts as a for-profit enterprise seeking impact through rural inclusive agri-wildlife economies.
2. Business Incubator Services: Provides skills training, mentorship, and capital investment into enterprises within the protected area value chain, supporting them until financially and technically self-sufficient. Generates revenue through enterprise development fees and equity in supported businesses.
3. EcoFarm Operations: Climate smart food production systems producing chicken, milk, eggs, vegetables, blueberries, and pomegranates for sale into tourism markets, local communities, and potentially domestic/international markets.
4. Supply Chain Localization: Establishes local enterprises that supply food products and services to lodges and tourism operations within Madikwe Game Reserve and other partner sites. Revenue generated through enterprise sales and supply chain facilitation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

ESA partners with land-owning communities in South Africa to develop agri-wildlife economies on restituted or redistributed land. Its core services include establishing and operating Wildlife Economy Business Incubators (such as KWEBI) that provide skills training, mentorship and capital access to community enterprises, deploying proprietary Climate Smart EcoFarm food production systems and Community Cattle regenerative grazing models, localizing food supply chains into tourism lodges, and developing commercial blueberry and pomegranate farms. The company also delivers conservation leadership programs through the African Intergenerational Leadership Hub.

Product overview

ESA operates as a for-profit enterprise developing rural inclusive agri-wildlife economies in partnership with land-owning communities. The company's portfolio consists of integrated programs including the African Intergenerational Leadership Hub for conservation leader development, Wildlife Economy Business Incubators (such as KWEBI), Climate Smart EcoFarm food production systems, Community Cattle Model regenerative farming, and agricultural operations (Blueberry and Pomegranate farms). These offerings work together within ESA's agri-wildlife hubs model to create circular, inclusive biodiversity-based, climate-smart livelihoods on community-owned land.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Wildlife Economy Business Incubator Comprehensive incubation service providing space, business support, investment finance and clustering opportunities for wildlife-based economy enterprises, following ESA's agri-wildlife model. Targeted at rural SMMEs and community enterprises in South Africa.
• Climate Smart EcoFarm Technical and intensive food production system producing 1.5 tons of fodder per day, 500 liters of milk per day and 2000 eggs per day on 5 hectares, equating to 200 hectares of conventional grazing. Outputs serve local communities, tourism lodges and other markets.
• Community Cattle Model Regenerative cattle farming model in which community cattle herds are gathered into larger herds for health management, disease control and security, with herders moving herds according to grazing plans that restore pastures and serve as a landscape restoration tool.
• KZN Wildlife Economy Business Incubator (KWEBI) The first wildlife business incubator established by ESA in the greater uMgungundlovu District Municipality, KZN, supporting emerging wildlife sector development through whole-value-chain development on 4680 ha of community-owned land.
• Blueberry Farm A 20-hectare blueberry farm operated by ESA using a conservation agriculture approach, with initial 10 hectares under shade/hail netting expanding over two years, producing blueberries for tourism, local and export markets.
• Pomegranate Farm A 12-hectare pomegranate farm operated by ESA, starting with 3 hectares under shade/hail netting and expanding to full 12-hectare capacity over three years.
• African Intergenerational Leadership Hub (AIGLH) Collaborative conservation leadership programme that brings together senior and young professionals from conservation institutions and rural community leaders across southern and east Africa to build intergenerational leadership capacity in environmental sustainability and conservation.
• Social Impact Management Graduate Programme Training programme offered to 8 unemployed graduate students in partnership with Embedding Impact and The Experience Factory, focusing on socio-economic and environmental impact measurement at ESA community project sites.

Quantifiable outcome

• 477 direct and 840 indirect jobs created; 438 seasonal jobs in blueberry and pomegranate production; 2840 training interventions related to agro-wildlife and enterprises management; 2300 community members attend Leadership development; 2300 community members attend governance training
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 January 2020SAWC is an implementing partner on the African Intergenerational Leadership Hub (AIGLH). Based near Hoedspruit in the Greater Kruger, SAWC brings over two-decade long history of equipping people with qualifications, practical skills, and thought leadership to manage complex ecosystems, conserve wildlife, and empower local communities. ESA collaborates with SAWC and Common Purpose on conservation leadership development.
• Madikwe Futures Company (MFC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerESA partners with MFC, a non-profit company and public benefit organisation representing 33 lodges in Madikwe Game Reserve, North West Province. Together they uplift communities bordering the game reserve through comprehensive capacity building, skills transfer, and localizing supply chains. The programme is based on the ESA agri-wildlife model and aims to transform tourism-aligned, rural livelihoods.
• Common Purpose South AfricacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommon Purpose is a 30-year old international not-for-profit organisation that develops leaders who can cross boundaries to better solve complex problems. ESA partners with Common Purpose and SAWC on the African Intergenerational Leadership Hub, contributing global leadership development expertise.
• Peace Parks FoundationflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerPeace Parks Foundation is the funding conduit for the African Intergenerational Leadership Hub, channeling MAVA Foundation funding to the initiative. ESA implements programmes under this partnership focused in southern and east African conservation institutions and communities.
• Embedding ImpactminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership partner for the Social Impact Management Graduate Programme, offering unique social and environmental impact training to 8 unemployed graduate students nationwide.
• The Experience FactoryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership partner for the Social Impact Management Graduate Programme, contributing to training design and graduate development.
• KwaXimba CommunitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe KwaXimba community near Camperdown and Cato Ridge owns land including a 4680 ha game reserve. ESA established KWEBI wildlife incubator on this community land and works with community cattle farmers on the regenerative cattle farming model.
• Mayibuye Community TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner454 land claimants near Camperdown, Mkhambathini Municipality in KZN established the Mayibuye Community Trust with the mandate of developing their land for conservation and wildlife economy. ESA partners with this trust to develop the Mayibuye agri-wildlife hub.
• Amacamu TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity trust neighbouring Mayibuye Game Reserve, partnering with ESA for development of additional game farms on community-owned land.
• Barolong bo Modiboa PeoplecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndigenous community near Potchefstroom in the North West who own Highveld agri-wildlife hub comprising 8000 ha game reserve, 1100 ha game farm, and 2000 ha cattle grazing land. ESA-CPA agreement in place.
• Lawrence Anthony Earth OrganizationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNPO strategic partner of ESA contributing to environmental and conservation initiatives.
• Earth Organization USAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUS-based strategic partner of ESA supporting conservation and sustainability initiatives.
• African Incubation InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partner providing business incubation expertise and support to ESA's wildlife economy incubator model.
• Nzatu Food GroupminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFood industry partner supporting ESA's localizing supply chains initiative and agri-wildlife hub food production.
• UCanGrow EarthminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAgricultural partner supporting ESA's climate smart farming and EcoFarm initiatives.
• East Coast OrganicsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganic agriculture partner contributing to ESA's sustainable food production systems.
• Agricultural Business Resources (ABR)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAgricultural business resource provider supporting ESA's SMME development and enterprise support services.
• Reel GardeningminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Planting Revolution partner contributing innovative gardening and agricultural solutions to ESA's community food production initiatives.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Conservation South Africa (CSA): Southern African affiliate of Conservation International working on biodiversity, sustainable landscapes, and inclusive community economies. Overlaps with ESA on community stewardship of land, regenerative agriculture, and linking smallholders to conservation value chains.
• Endangered Wildlife Trust: South African conservation NGO running species and habitat programmes with significant community and landowner components. Comparable to ESA in operating at the community-wildlife-agriculture interface in the same South African provinces.
• TechnoServe: International non-profit that builds business incubators and value-chain programmes for smallholder agriculture and rural enterprises in Africa. Comparable to ESA's Wildlife Economy Business Incubator and Community Cattle Model as a route to scaling SMME-led rural supply chains.

Broad incumbents

• &Beyond: Luxury safari and conservation operator running lodges across southern Africa with established community-impact and supply-localisation programmes. Comparable to ESA on the tourism-offtake and community-enterprise side, and a potential large anchor customer for ESA hubs adjacent to its reserves.
• African Parks: Conservation NGO that manages a network of protected areas across Africa, including community-inclusive models on restructured or expanded parks. Comparable to ESA in combining protected-area management with adjacent community development and enterprise support.

Direct peers

• Southern African Wildlife College: SAWC delivers conservation training, capacity building, and applied wildlife-management programmes across southern Africa and is an active ESA partner on AIGLH. Comparable focus on skills transfer, leadership pipelines, and rural livelihoods linked to protected landscapes.
• Peace Parks Foundation: Southern African transfrontier conservation organisation that integrates community development and sustainable land use into protected-area landscapes. Already a flagship partner of ESA via AIGLH; shares ESA's hub-based approach to community-owned wildlife economies in KZN/North West/Limpopo geographies.
• African Wildlife Foundation: Pan-African conservation NGO that pairs biodiversity protection with community livelihoods and enterprise development across key African ecosystems. Directly comparable to ESA's wildlife-economy-plus-community-ownership model and the mix of land-management, training, and enterprise incubation.

Regional players

• Wilderness Safaris: Southern African ecotourism operator with strong community and conservation partnerships around its concessions, sourcing produce and services from neighbouring communities. Comparable to ESA on the tourism-offtake and localising-supply-chains angle.

Others

• Common Purpose South Africa: Leadership development non-profit running cross-boundary leadership programmes, including the AIGLH with ESA. Comparable as a delivery partner and ecosystem participant rather than a direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ESA_WILD
• Facebookfacebook.com/ESAWILDSA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/environmental-sustainability-agency

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Environmental Sustainability Agency