Driving growth in Rwanda’s solar irrigation market
How technical support to local suppliers is shaping the sector
Mercy Corps’ Energy 4 Impact has launched technical assistance for four solar water pumping suppliers in Rwanda to expand solar-powered irrigation solutions to smallholder farmers. This targeted support is part of the Productive Uses of Renewable Energy in Agriculture (PURE.Ag) program, a collaboration between Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Mercy Corps-Energy 4 Impact, and the European Cooperative for Rural Development (EUCORD). The program seeks to address supply and demand challenges in the solar irrigation market through a private sector-led approach, with the goal of boosting agricultural productivity, enhancing climate resilience, and promoting sustainable farming practices.
Rwanda’s agriculture relies heavily on rainfed farming, leaving it vulnerable to erratic rainfall and droughts that threaten productivity and food security. Only 2% of farmers have access to motorized irrigation, with many still using costly and polluting diesel-powered systems. Although solar-powered irrigation offers a sustainable alternative, adoption has been slow due to high upfront costs, financing barriers and limited awareness.
“Despite high operational costs and fuel price volatility, many farmers still choose diesel water pumps as they require a lower initial investment,” explains Pancras Odhiambo, Project Manager for PURE.Ag. “However, solar water pumps offer clear long-term advantages. They boost productivity by reducing dependence on rainfall for irrigation, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and bring down operational costs. Lifetime costs of solar pumps are estimated to be between 22% and 56% lower than diesel pumps, with a potential payback period of as little as 24 months, as seen in more developed markets across sub-Saharan Africa.”
To address these and other challenges, PURE.Ag launched a public call for proposals in July 2024, inviting local solar water pump suppliers to co-develop business models and financing solutions tailored to low-income smallholder farmers. Four companies were selected for targeted technical support:
Open Construction and Related Services Ltd (OCRS): refining PAYGo and instalment-based payment models to make solar water pumps more accessible.
Ets Construction Mixed Ltd (ECM): developing go-to-market strategies, including demonstration plots where farmers can see the technology in action before investing.
Ignite Springs Limited: running awareness campaigns to educate farmers, especially women, about the benefits of solar irrigation.
General Consultancy and Trading Company Ltd (GCTC): strengthening after-sales support and optimizing supply chain logistics to ensure reliable system performance.
Strengthening adoption and market readiness
The needs-assessments and co-design workshops with the four suppliers have highlighted critical areas where technical support is needed: product adoption, supply chain optimization, operational efficiency, partnerships, and monitoring and evaluation.
Building consumer trust in solar water pumps is a top priority. “Farmers need clear, reliable information on cost efficiency and performance,” says Odhiambo. Energy 4 Impact will help suppliers refine outreach strategies, run targeted awareness campaigns, and provide training on system maintenance and climate-smart agriculture. Strengthening after-sales support, including warranties and flexible service packages, will also be key to building confidence.
Improving efficiency in both operational processes and system design will also be a key focus. “We’ll introduce innovative financing solutions, such as PAYGo and instalment plans to make solar irrigation more accessible, while managing credit risk through customer segmentation and selection,” Odhiambo adds. “We’ll also provide technical support to integrate tools for inventory management, and payment tracking, and refine sales and marketing strategies, especially through digital platforms.”
Strategic partnerships are essential for market development. “Collaboration with financial institutions, farmer cooperatives, and government bodies is key for reducing financial barriers,” Odhiambo explains. Energy 4 Impact will help companies build these partnerships to broaden financing options, lower upfront costs through subsidies, and leverage government programs for broader market reach.
Finally, data-driven decision-making will ensure long-term impact. “Real-time tracking of customer data and system performance is critical for continuous improvement,” Odhiambo notes. The program will help companies implement robust monitoring systems and feedback mechanisms to adjust strategies based on market response.
By addressing these challenges, PURE.Ag is strengthening Rwanda’s solar irrigation market and testing business models that support long-term agricultural transformation. With each step forward, the program is building a more resilient sector, making renewable energy a driver of productivity and sustainable growth.