Technology is changing the way we live and work, and traditional industries are no exception. That is why Gentaflo was established on a clear observation: industries such as civil engineering, mining, and agriculture were not keeping up with modern technology.
“We wanted to fill the gap by helping companies understand and implement changes that lead to real outcomes,” says Tshepo Madigage, Founder and CEO at Gentaflo. “This led us to focus on artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as chatbots and virtual assistants, which would enhance operations and communication.”
Why AI Communications Matters
Chatbots and virtual assistants play a very significant role; they help businesses communicate better, improve customer service, and automate repetitive tasks. “While IoT sensors and digital twins improve efficiency, effective communication is the lifeblood of a successful business,” says Madigage.
These tools provide 24/7 support, centralise project updates, and reduce human error, especially in remote operations. “AI-powered communication is not just a tool,” Madigage emphasises. “It’s a fundamental part of a truly smart and interconnected business.”
In sectors like mining or agriculture, chatbots can provide important information, answer questions, or alert management to issues, improving decision-making and enabling quick responses to unexpected challenges.
Solving Problems in Different Industries
Gentaflo works across mining, agriculture, logistics, and construction. Their approach focuses on the problem first, not the technology. “We don’t try to sell AI or IoT,” Madigage explains. “We try to solve downtime, inefficiency, or lack of visibility.”
Once the challenges are clear, Gentaflo applies Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies like IoT sensors, predictive analytics, and automation. Predictive maintenance in mining reduces equipment downtime, while sensors and AI optimise water and fertiliser use in agriculture. “Our team’s strength lies in its ability to understand the nuances of each industry we serve,” says Madigage.
Robots and Drones In Action
Gentaflo develops humanoid robots and drones for tasks that are dangerous, repetitive, or require precision. Robots are used to inspect tunnels, work with explosives in a safe way, and take samples in the mines. They are useful in the agricultural sector in selective harvesting, pruning, and pest control.
Drones are used to provide aerial surveys, monitor compliance, and support precision farming, such as targeted spraying or crop health analysis. “Our vision is to develop customised integrated solutions that will transform industries to be safer, smarter, and more sustainable,” Madigage explains.
Making AI Accessible for Everyone
Gentaflo builds chatbots that communicate in English, isiZulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, Sesotho, and more. “When technology speaks your language, it’s more likely to be trusted and adopted by people,” says Madigage.
The localisation ensures chatbots understand the cultures and industry-specific terminology, making them more effective for mining, agriculture, and other industries. This solution makes AI solutions inclusive and open to users of all levels.
Connecting Data, Cloud, and CRM
Gentaflo encourages companies to treat data protection, cloud solutions, and CRM as an integrated system. “An interconnected system is more than the sum of its parts,” says Madigage. Such integration enhances efficiency, collaboration, decision-making, and scalability.
The integration of all these services enables companies to establish a continuous information flow, with teams having access to real-time information and insights, which enhances planning, faster solutions to problems, and improved customer service.
Challenges and Milestones
Starting a tech company in South Africa is not a walk in the park: the traditional industries are usually sceptical, the talent supply is minimal, there are infrastructure challenges, and capital is difficult to acquire. Gentaflo overcame these obstacles by using pilot projects, multidisciplinary teams, and effective working relationships with clients.
Gentaflo has also achieved milestones, including being B-BBEE compliant, making it to the top 16 in the 2025 Nedbank Pitch and Polish competition, and participating in the Google Hustle Academy Business Bootcamp. “Each milestone is a testament to our mission of empowering traditional industries through technology,” says Madigage.
Advice for New Entrepreneurs
Madigage advises entrepreneurs to “focus on solving a real-world problem first, not on building technology for its own sake. Start small with a pilot project, build a multidisciplinary team, and approach clients as partners rather than customers.”
Gentaflo helps industries in South Africa to become smarter, more efficient, and safer with the use of AI and 4IR technologies. Madigage concludes by stating that we are creating a future in which intelligent, interconnected, and optimised systems are a realistic possibility and in which traditional industries are given the power to build the future together.
