Smart-Agri Centres (SACs)

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Location

Uganda

Sector

Energy

Stage

Implementation

Overview

Smart Villages have developed the Smart Agri-Centre (SAC) solution. SACs are our integrated solution that provide a significant level of energy access to off-grid rural communities whilst simultaneously providing a bespoke range of services to them to enhance local income and subsidise the cost of energy provision and the capital cost of the whole system.

The SAC incorporates a 45-110kW solar power plant, with dry or cold store for harvested crops, and productive-use equipment and services such as milk cooling, welding, milling, agri-input shops, and crop value addition. The SAC can also distribute power to the surrounding community.

The innovative strength of the SAC lies in these services not only acting as anchor loads reducing the levelised cost of energy, but also generating significant income for the community, and serving as a springboard for partnerships and collaboration. At our pilot site, we have seen >280% increase in average income of farmers within one year.

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Investment Needs

$1 million - $10 million

Investment Project Type:

Private

Invested Value to Date:

$8 000 000

Funding Gap:

$500 000

Climate Classification:

Cross cutting

Why Investing

Exceptional, Proven Leadership

Strong female-represented team, with extensive local community engagement and development experience across East Africa, graduates of Oxford and Cambridge and extensive range of successful projects.

Validated & De-risked Growth

UK government (Innovate UK) has invested in SACs for a second time, funding the scaling stage of SACs with 45% to reduce risk significantly, as well as match funding for 2-sites from a local Ugandan organisation.

Scalable Model with Clear Financials

Developed financial model and scaling plan, with tools for replicability and wider rollout and impact across East Africa, as well as solid partners to execute with.

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