SunCulture Secures $5M From WaterEquity to Expand Solar Irrigation
TLDR
- Kenya’s SunCulture has raised $5 million from WaterEquity to expand its solar-powered irrigation and water access solutions for smallholder farmers across Africa
- WaterEquity’s investment comes through its new Water and Climate Resilience Fund, backed by global corporates including Microsoft, Starbucks, and Gap Inc
- The deal follows SunCulture’s $27.5 million Series B round in April 2024, which was oversubscribed
Kenya’s SunCulture has raised $5 million from WaterEquity to expand its solar-powered irrigation and water access solutions for smallholder farmers across Africa.
WaterEquity’s investment comes through its new Water and Climate Resilience Fund, backed by global corporates including Microsoft, Starbucks, and Gap Inc. SunCulture, which already controls more than half of the solar irrigation market for smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa, provides pumps that replace diesel and manual water systems. The technology is also used by rural households for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
The deal follows SunCulture’s $27.5 million Series B round in April 2024, which was oversubscribed. CEO Samir Ibrahim said WaterEquity’s entry marks a chance to deepen access to both capital and expertise. WaterEquity said the investment fits its strategy of supporting companies that address water access gaps while building resilience against climate stress.
SunCulture aims to scale operations to reach millions of farmers and their families.
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Key Takeaways
The SunCulture-WaterEquity deal underscores the growing link between climate adaptation, agriculture, and water security in Africa. More than 80% of rural households on the continent still rely on sources that require collecting water outside the home, a task often carried out by women and girls. By offering decentralized, solar-powered irrigation and water systems, SunCulture reduces reliance on diesel and manual pumps while improving household access to safe water. The Water and Climate Resilience Fund, which counts global consumer and industrial companies among its investors, reflects a shift toward private capital supporting climate-resilient infrastructure in underserved regions. For SunCulture, the backing expands its ability to compete in a market where demand for affordable irrigation is rising alongside water stress and climate change. For WaterEquity, the deal marks its first step into agricultural water infrastructure, setting a precedent for blended finance models that target both impact and commercial returns.






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