Ariculture..PHOTO;Courtesy
Ashoka East Africa, with continued support from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and in partnership with E4impact, has announced the launch of Phase 2 of the Towards Improved Livelihoods for Smallholder Farmers in East Africa Program.
This next stage builds on the success of the first phase, which mapped over 140 innovators, supported 12 high-potential participants through mentorship and capacity building, and demonstrated how Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) solutions can transform agricultural value chains.
Phase 2 will support a fresh cohort of 25 innovators across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda, offering tailored assistance to scale their solutions and deepen regional impact.
The program is designed to bridge the gap between promising innovations and wider adoption, ensuring that smallholder farmers can benefit from renewable energy technologies to boost productivity, resilience, and livelihoods.
Support for Scaling Solutions
Participants in Phase 2 will access a six-month accelerator experience combining expert-led workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and opportunities to connect with investors, policymakers, and technical partners.
Workshops will cover essential topics such as scaling, market access, financing, and systems change for DRE solutions within agricultural value chains.
Innovators will also receive guidance from Ashoka Fellows and sector leaders, who will support the development of strategies tailored to each project’s scaling potential or systems-change approach.
As part of the program, innovators will present their strategies at a closing convening, where the top four projects will receive continued funding to strengthen their reach and impact.
Additionally, selected participants will benefit from strategic visibility and storytelling support to enhance their profile and attract further backing from the broader ecosystem.
Who Can Apply
The program is open to innovators based in or operating in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, or Rwanda.
Eligible projects must focus on DRE solutions, such as solar, biogas, or mini-grids, that directly enhance productivity within agricultural value chains.
Applicants should have a working prototype, pilot, or early-stage implementation already in operation and demonstrate clear social or environmental objectives, particularly improving farmer livelihoods, promoting climate resilience, or fostering inclusive growth.
The program is particularly encouraging applications from innovators whose work empowers women and youth under the age of 35.
Founders, co-founders, or core team members of organizations leading the initiatives are eligible, provided they can fully participate in the six-month program.
Driving Innovation for Smallholder Farmers
Phase 2 builds on lessons learned from the first stage, which revealed the transformative potential of renewable energy solutions in agriculture.
By integrating energy technologies into farming systems, smallholder farmers can access consistent power for irrigation, storage, and processing, ultimately increasing productivity and income while reducing environmental impacts.
This approach aligns with Ashoka’s “Everyone a Changemaker” framework, emphasizing systems change and social innovation.
The program not only equips innovators with technical and business skills but also strengthens collaborative learning across the regional ecosystem, helping innovators develop sustainable, scalable solutions for the challenges facing smallholder farmers.
Application Details
Innovators interested in joining Phase 2 must submit applications by March 26, 2026.
Selected participants will engage in a structured, hands-on program designed to accelerate growth, foster regional partnerships, and contribute to resilient, energy-secure farming systems across East Africa.
For more information, interested applicants can visit ASHOKA
By supporting the next generation of DRE innovators, Ashoka East Africa and its partners aim to create lasting change in agriculture, improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, and demonstrate how targeted support for young innovators can drive sustainable development across the region.
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