Kenyan climate-tech startup SunCulture has received an investment from WaterEquity to accelerate the deployment of solar-powered irrigation solutions for smallholder farmers across sub-Saharan Africa. The deal is the first under WaterEquity’s newly established Water and climate resilience fund, signaling a focus on financing water and sanitation initiatives that bolster climate resilience in emerging markets. The funding is intended to help SunCulture expand access to climate-smart irrigation and water access, supporting both agricultural productivity and household needs.
Founded in 2013 by Samir Ibrahim and Charlie Nichols, SunCulture develops solar-powered water pumps that offer an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to diesel and manual irrigation systems. Beyond improving crop yields, the systems help households access clean water for daily essentials such as drinking, cooking, and cleaning. The company’s approach targets key challenges facing rural communities, including unreliable rainfall, high fuel costs, and limited access to sustainable water infrastructure.
SunCulture complements its technology with a pay-as-you-grow financing model designed to reduce upfront costs and broaden adoption among low-income farmers. According to the company, more than 45,000 smallholder farmers have already benefited from this model, which spreads payments over time and aligns costs with seasonal income. This combination of accessible hardware and flexible financing has positioned the company as a notable player in Africa’s transition to sustainable agriculture.
With WaterEquity’s backing, SunCulture plans to strengthen manufacturing and distribution capabilities to meet rising demand, extend its market presence to more countries in sub-Saharan Africa, and refine financing options to increase affordability. Priority markets cited include Uganda, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Zambia, and Togo. The investment will support operational scale-up and product access, aiming to help farmers boost resilience to water stress while reducing reliance on fossil-fuel-based irrigation methods.
The partnership reflects shared priorities around climate adaptation, water security, and food systems stability. WaterEquity’s mandate to mobilize capital for water and sanitation aligns with SunCulture’s mission to deliver practical, clean-energy tools that elevate livelihoods. As SunCulture scales, the collaboration is expected to advance sustainable development outcomes by improving water availability, enhancing farm productivity, and empowering smallholder communities throughout the region.
