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From Family Farm to Bioeconomy Beacon: Bayanda Maseko’s bold path to growth
With Standard Bank alongside him, Bayanda Vincent Maseko has turned an unconventional farming idea into an innovative business with ambitions extending far beyond South Africa.
Snail farming may not be the first idea that comes to mind when imagining the future of African agriculture. For Bayanda Vincent Maseko, founder and managing director of Noliqua Legacy, that is precisely its appeal. His business is built on finding value where others may not look and proving that sustainable agriculture and innovation can create new opportunities.
Reimagining a family legacy
Bayanda’s farming journey began with his mother, an entrepreneur who moved from arts, culture and sewing into agriculture despite having no formal agricultural background. When she died in 2019, the family farm and the dreams attached to it were left at a crossroads.
In 2020, Bayanda chose to continue her legacy. He also recognised that passion alone would not create a sustainable business. After seeing the challenges his mother had faced, he committed himself to building the knowledge, networks and leadership skills needed to take the farm forward.
Over the next five years, he sought out mentors, development programmes and other entrepreneurs. He also introduced systems that allowed the business to operate without depending entirely on his presence – a critical step towards creating a scalable enterprise.
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Turning an unconventional idea into a market opportunity
Bayanda was drawn to snails because they require relatively little land, water and machinery compared with many traditional livestock systems. However, early efforts to focus on food production brought market and operating challenges, prompting him to explore other opportunities.
His research led him to snail mucin, a sought-after skincare ingredient. Working with scientists, Bayanda began developing creams and testing the concept. The encouraging response persuaded him to turn an agricultural output into a higher-value consumer product.
The Standard Bank-supported Organic and Natural Products Expo in Cape Town gave Noliqua Legacy a platform to launch its skincare range to the public. It connected Bayanda with consumers, potential clients and international visitors, while helping him educate the market about an unfamiliar ingredient.
According to Bayanda, the business sold more than 300 tubs after the launch, with customers returning to purchase multiple units. Products have since reached customers in the United States and Europe, while international contacts have expressed interest in visiting the operation and exploring potential partnerships.
A banking relationship that goes beyond finance
Standard Bank has been part of Bayanda’s entrepreneurial journey since his earlier ventures. As his ambitions evolved, the relationship grew beyond everyday banking to include business development, mentorship, market access and opportunities to connect with other entrepreneurs.
Through the Standard Bank Youth Forward Programme and Township Business Programme, Bayanda received support in strengthening the foundations of his business. The 12-month Youth Forward journey helped him develop systems, policies, standard operating procedures and marketing strategies.
For Bayanda, this wider support is what distinguishes a banking partner from a financial service provider. Access to finance is important, he says, but funding alone cannot guarantee success. Entrepreneurs also need the knowledge, guidance and networks to use that finance effectively.
“Standard Bank has created a platform for us to grow our business,” he says. “I needed a partner that could believe in my ideas and support me financially and otherwise.”
Building an African bioeconomy business
Over the next five years, Bayanda wants Noliqua Legacy to become one of Africa’s leading bioeconomy businesses. His plans include taking the snail-mucin range into new markets and expanding work that transforms agricultural and food waste into valuable products.
His advice to entrepreneurs considering an unconventional idea is simple: “Start before you feel ready.” Learn continuously, build strong relationships and focus on solving a meaningful problem.
Bayanda’s journey is emerging as a beacon of what African bioeconomy entrepreneurship and long-term, client-centred partnership can achieve. Standard Bank has remained alongside him as the entrepreneur, product and business have developed, helping him transform a family legacy into innovation, and innovation into a platform for sustainable growth.
That’s where real growth begins.