In this episode of Beta Mode, we speak with Jehiel Oliver, Founder and CEO of Hello Tractor, a groundbreaking agritech company transforming African agriculture. Jehiel shares his unconventional journey from investment banking and development finance to launching Hello Tractor—an Uber-like platform for tractors connecting smallholder farmers with equipment owners.
We unpack the critical problems Hello Tractor addresses—low productivity due to late or inefficient planting and harvesting, lack of equipment access, and income limitations for rural farmers. Jehiel outlines how the platform’s tech stack, financing model, and training programs create lasting impact by increasing farmer income by 227% and helping unbanked entrepreneurs become tractor owners.
With operations in 16 countries and nearly 2 million farmers served, Jehiel discusses building a sustainable, scalable business that blends profit with deep social impact. We also explore partnerships, fundraising, and what it takes to build resilient businesses in Africa.