The British International Investment (BII) has announced an additional $4 million investment in SunCulture, a Kenya-based company specializing in solar energy solutions and irrigation equipment.
The latest funding aims to expand the company’s reach and enhance financial accessibility for smallholder farmers.
This investment builds on BII’s previous support in 2023, which enabled SunCulture to distribute 9,000 solar irrigation systems to farmers across Kenya.
The new funding will play a key role in scaling an innovative carbon financing initiative designed to lower upfront costs for farmers.
Through this scheme, up to 16,000 smallholder farmers are expected to benefit from affordable access to solar-powered irrigation technology.
Christopher Chijiutomi, Managing Director and Head of Africa at BII, emphasized the investment’s broader impact on agriculture and climate resilience.
“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 and improve their resilience to the impacts of climate change,” he stated.
Chijiutomi also highlighted the significance of the carbon financing model in attracting private-sector investment and fostering innovation.
“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,” he added.
The investment aligns with efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and climate-smart solutions, ensuring that smallholder farmers can access reliable and cost-effective irrigation systems while contributing to carbon reduction initiatives.
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