Solar Irrigation Offering To Be Rolled Out Across Sub-Saharan Africa

InfraCo Africa, part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), has committed US$12 million to help scale SunCulture’s solar irrigation systems across sub-Saharan Africa, reports FreshPlaza. This investment is part of a US$27.5 million Series B funding round aimed at providing IoT-enabled solar-powered irrigation to hundreds of thousands of smallholder farmers by 2030. Many of these farmers currently rely on rainfed agriculture or CO2-emitting diesel pumps. SunCulture CEO Samir Ibrahim emphasized the importance of this milestone as a strong endorsement of the company’s vision and team. SunCulture’s systems offer a sustainable alternative to fuel-based pumps, addressing climate-induced rainfall variability. Their solar irrigation systems, designed for smallholdings of 1-3 acres, include low-voltage DC pumps, sprinklers, drip irrigation, and battery storage, maximizing water efficiency and reducing waste. The IoT-enabled systems also feature remote monitoring and predictive maintenance. InfraCo Africa’s Chief Investment and Risk Officer, Claire Jarratt, noted that InfraCo’s involvement will support SunCulture’s growth and market expansion. The “total cost of ownership” for a SunCulture pump is 40–60% lower than a fuel-based pump, with a Pay-As-You-Grow model making it accessible to smallholder farmers. Source: DailyTrust

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This investment is part of a US$27.5 million Series B funding round aimed at providing IoT-enabled solar-powered irrigation to hundreds of thousands of smallholder farmers by 2030, reducing reliance on rainfed agriculture and CO2-emitting diesel pumps. SunCulture’s systems offer a sustainable alternative, addressing climate-induced rainfall variability. Their solar irrigation systems, designed for smallholdings of 1-3 acres, include low-voltage DC pumps, sprinklers, drip irrigation, and battery storage, maximizing water efficiency and reducing waste. The IoT-enabled systems feature remote monitoring and predictive maintenance. By leveraging consumer financing and carbon credits, SunCulture reduces the upfront cost for farmers. With improved irrigation, farmers can boost yields, enhancing food security and economic growth in rural areas. SunCulture’s Pay-As-You-Grow model further aids smallholder farmers.