The Kilikawi
Challenge
Advancing the Tech
The KiliKawi Challenge is an open innovation competition empowering innovators to create better electric-powered agricultural tools for Africa’s smallholder farmers.
“Kilikawi”, derived from the Swahili words Kilimo (agriculture) and Kawi (energy), embodies a new vision of electrified, locally driven agricultural transformation.
Challenge
Focus Areas
Participants are invited to develop concepts addressing one or more of these focus areas:
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Make tools like the power tiller, thresher, sheller, shaft cutter, and miller easier, safer, and more dignified to use
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Increase locally made parts and strengthen regional production to reduce import reliance
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Create new service models or digital tools to improve affordability, access, and maintenance
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Design additional implements or uses for solar-powered electric tools to cover more farming tasks like planting, weeding, harvesting, or processing
Who can Participate?
→ University Students
from Kenyan institutions with relevant ideas or technical expertise
→ Startups
in the agritech or renewable energy sectors
→ Public Innovators:
engineers, designers, mechanics, or entrepreneurs with local insights
Timeline
Prizes & Opportunities
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Full support for building a working prototype
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Present at exhibitions and network with decision-makers.
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Opportunity to pilot and commercialize through TMF and partners.
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Media visibility, certificates, and possible follow-on funding.
Stay tuned
to be part of Africa’s clean energy agricultural revolution!
Le MAC Building, Church Road,
Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya