Silo Africa Deploys Solar-Powered Silos to Cut Post-Harvest Losses in Africa

Kenyan agritech startup Silo Africa is tackling post-harvest losses among smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa with its SmartSilo technology. These are solar-powered, hermetically sealed storage units designed to eliminate the need for chemical preservatives and protect grain from pests and moisture.

Founded in 2023, Silo Africa identified a critical gap between smallholder farmers' production and their income. Founder Eliud Rugut stated that a significant portion of harvests is lost after collection due to poor storage, pests, and moisture. Existing solutions were often too expensive, inaccessible in rural areas, or only partially effective.

"Our silos offer an effective, affordable, and off-grid storage solution that reduces losses and improves grain quality and quantity for smallholder farmers," Rugut explained. This approach addresses the need for a solution that works reliably in rural settings.

Silo Africa has deployed over 3,000 SmartSilos, creating approximately 500,000 tonnes of storage capacity. The technology benefits over 3,200 farming households. The company is now planning expansion into neighboring markets including Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda.