For at least three years, Sistema.bio will provide its biodigesters “at affordable prices” to small and medium-sized farmers and dairymen in East Africa. The Mexico City, Mexico-based company has just secured 1.2 billion Kenyan shillings (about $10 million) in new funding from the public benefit corporation Native. The Vermont, USA-based company supports innovative companies working to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate solutions.
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For example, Native’s funding will help offset the cost of purchasing Sistema.bio biodigesters by small and medium-scale farmers and dairymen in East Africa, from Kshs 70,000 (nearly US$577) to Kshs 35,000 (over US$288) per unit. Beneficiaries will be able to pay 2,000 Kenyan shillings (about $16.5) to Sistema.bio each month for two years. The equipment will be deployed in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.
Small and medium-sized farmers and dairymen in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda will use the biodigesters to convert their waste (agricultural waste and cow dung) into biogas, biofertiliser and cooking fuel for households. The aim of Sistema.bio is to help reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane emissions in these three countries. These gases are largely responsible for global warming.
The three-year programme will also reduce groundwater pollution from waste and the cutting of wood for fuelwood or charcoal.
Sistema.bio has thus obtained its second funding since the beginning of 2022. A few months earlier, Kenya-based fund manager KawiSafi Ventures joined other firms in investing $15.6 million in the Kenyan company to support its expansion. In addition to Kenya, Sistema.bio is present in the markets of Mexico, Colombia and India.
Inès Magoum