British International Investment (BII) is deepening its commitment to sustainable agriculture and clean energy access in Africa with an additional $4 million investment in SunCulture, a pioneering Kenya-based company specializing in solar-powered irrigation systems. This latest investment follows BII’s initial $1.7 million commitment in 2023, which facilitated the deployment of 9,000 solar irrigation systems to smallholder farmers in Kenya.
SunCulture’s solar irrigation technology has been hailed as a gamechanger for small-scale farmers who face unpredictable rainfall patterns and the high cost of diesel-powered irrigation. By harnessing solar energy, these systems provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution that enhances crop yields, increases farm productivity, and improves the livelihoods of farmers.
The additional capital injection will help scale an innovative carbon financing scheme designed to reduce the upfront costs of SunCulture’s irrigation systems, making them financially accessible to up to 16,000 more smallholder farmers in Kenya. This model leverages revenue from carbon credits to subsidize equipment costs, allowing farmers to transition to clean energy solutions without prohibitive initial expenses.
Christopher Chijiutomi, Managing Director and Head of Africa at BII, emphasized the broader impact of the investment: “Our further investment in SunCulture will continue to reduce the upfront costs of solar irrigation systems, reaching more smallholder farmers in Kenya. This will increase farmland productivity and farmers’ incomes as well as improve their resilience to the impacts of climate change. As the UK’s development finance institution, we are proud to support a pioneering carbon financing pilot that demonstrates feasibility and attracts private capital. It exemplifies our commitment to fostering innovation, enhancing food security, and improving access to clean energy for all.”
SunCulture’s mission to address Africa’s agricultural challenges has drawn the attention of high-profile investors. In 2024, Reed Hastings, co-founder of Netflix, and Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Alphabet, participated in a $27 million funding round for the startup, alongside other investors such as InfraCo Africa and Acumen Fund. This influx of capital is expected to accelerate SunCulture’s expansion beyond Kenya into Uganda, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Zambia, and Togo.
Hastings underscored the significance of SunCulture’s work, stating, “SunCulture helps farmers grow more food, which is exactly the kind of business that prospers.” His endorsement reflects the increasing recognition of sustainable agriculture as a key driver of economic development in Africa.
Founded in 2013 by Samir Ibrahim and Charlie Nichols, SunCulture has revolutionized irrigation through its flagship RainMaker2 solar-powered system. The company integrates Internet of Things (IoT) technology into its irrigation solutions, ensuring efficient water management while reducing reliance on traditional, often expensive, irrigation methods.
A core aspect of SunCulture’s success has been its innovative financing model. The company’s “pay-as-you-grow” system enables farmers to acquire irrigation technology without significant upfront investment, instead making affordable installment payments. To date, SunCulture has sold over 45,000 units, empowering thousands of farmers to enhance productivity while minimizing costs.
SunCulture’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its products. The company has introduced VeraSol-certified non-battery and battery-equipped solar irrigation systems that boost farmers’ resilience to climate variability while supporting environmental conservation. By reducing reliance on diesel-powered pumps, these solutions contribute to cutting carbon emissions and mitigating the impact of climate change.
With continued investment from BII and backing from global tech leaders, SunCulture is poised to scale its operations and reinforce its position as a leading provider of clean energy solutions for African agriculture. As climate challenges intensify and demand for sustainable farming practices grows, SunCulture’s solar irrigation technology offers a viable path toward increased food security and improved rural livelihoods across the continent.