Interview With Nedbank Pitch & Polish Top 8 Finalist Cate Olifant

Interview With Nedbank Pitch & Polish Top 8 Finalist Cate Olifant. South African entrepreneur and founder of Akani Paints Cate Olifant has emerged as one of the top 8 finalists of the Nedbank Pitch & Polish competition. Now in its landmark 15th season, the 2025 edition of the competition aims to shine a light on the next generation of South African changemakers. We at StartUpMag had a chance to delve into Olifant’s experience in the competition and the inspiration behind her businesses. Check it out below!

What inspired you to start producing eco-friendly paints?

My inspiration came from seeing how traditional paints (with LEAD) negatively affect both people and the environment. I wanted to create products that are safe, sustainable, and still deliver great performance. The goal was to prove that eco-friendly solutions can be both high-quality and affordable, especially for rural communities.

How did you build the technical knowledge required for high-quality paint production?

It started with hands-on learning, mentorship, and research. I spent time understanding raw materials, formulations, and quality control processes, while working closely with suppliers and chemical experts. Over time, I also invested in formal training and built a small in-house lab for continuous product testing and improvement.

What makes Akani Paints different from mainstream brands?

We focus on three things — sustainability, community, and affordability. Our paints are formulated with low-VOC materials, making them safer for homes and the environment. We also locally manufacture, which keeps prices fair and creates jobs, while offering training opportunities for young chemical technicians & graduates.

Can you share the challenges of competing in a capital-heavy industry like coatings?

Access to funding is a major challenge — large brands have established infrastructure and strong distribution networks. As a small manufacturer, we’vehad to be resourceful, focus on niche markets, and gradually build credibility through quality, consistency, and customer trust.

How important is sustainability in your business model?

It’s at the heart of everything we do. Sustainability is not just about our paints but also about how we operate, from waste reduction and energy efficiency to empowering local communities through skills development and employment.

How do you balance affordability with eco-friendly production?

We achieve this by sourcing our raw materials locally where possible and optimizing our production processes to minimize waste. We also focus on innovation by developing formulations that use cost-effective but environmentally safe ingredients without compromising quality.

What role do your internships for young chemical engineers play in your business vision?

They are key part of our social impact. Through our Training & Development dept, we help graduates gain practical experience in formulations, production, and quality testing. This builds industry capacity and aligns with our vision of creating a new generation of skilled chemical entrepreneurs.

How has Nedbank Pitch & Polish helped you refine your growth strategy?

The Nedbank Pitch & Polish competition with Raizcorp has been a game-changer, for me. It has helped me sharpen my business presentation, identify my key value drivers, and focus on scaling strategically not just operationally. The feedback from mentors and peers have helped me structure a clearer roadmap for expansion and investor readiness.

What has been the biggest lesson from running a manufacturing business?

Patience and resilience. Manufacturing requires long-term commitment from maintaining quality standards to managing cash flow. I’ve learned that growthdoesn’t happen overnight; it takes consistency, discipline, and the right partnerships.

Where do you see Akani Paints in the next five years?

In five years, I see Akani Paints operating from a state of the art factory powered by solar energy, distributing across 9 provinces and nearby SADC countries, and serving as a training hub for rural-based SMMEs in chemical manufacturing. Our vision is to become one of South Africa’s leading sustainable paint brands with a strong social and environmental footprint.