Volkswagen Group Africa has announced the launch of its first multifunctional facility in Rwanda to pilot modern farming practices using e-tractors. Located in Gashora, about 60 kilometers from the capital Kigali, the GenFarm Project is aimed at revolutionizing rural farming with e-powered mechanized solutions that are reliable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly.
The GenFarm Project, which was initiated following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Rwandan government in June 2023, is designed as a holistic ecosystem. It not only provides modern farming services but also offers mobility solutions for the transportation of goods and people in rural areas. This innovative project aligns with Volkswagen Group’s broader sustainability strategy to deliver both societal and environmental value.
Martina Biene, Volkswagen Group Africa’s Chairperson and Managing Director, emphasized the significance of the project for the company’s growth in Africa. “We are growing our footprint in Africa and regard Rwanda as a key growth market. This project demonstrates our commitment to sustainable practices and highlights our ability to provide mobility solutions to the rural community in addition to the urban community currently serviced by our Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda business,” Biene said.
The GenFarm Project is being implemented in collaboration with Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda and Volkswagen Group Innovation Centre Europe. A crucial component of the initiative is the Empowerment Hub (e-Hub), a pre-Hub currently built using standard containers, while preparation for the construction of a permanent e-Hub is underway. Expected to be fully operational by 2025, the e-Hub will feature a photovoltaic power system and energy storage capabilities. It will offer clean energy, storage space, and a business environment for local cooperatives to operate their services, including e-tractor and e-scooter services.
The project takes a unique approach to sustainable energy use with its battery swap system. According to Dr. Nikolai Ardey, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Innovation, this system allows batteries to be integrated into the energy infrastructure of the hub, supporting the tractor and serving as a storage solution. “We want to offer various services in the empowerment hubs. Farmers can book an e-tractor including a trained driver for affordable, sustainable farming,” Ardey explained.
The GenFarm Project is supported by the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, which contributes machinery for the e-tractors and assesses the necessary services for the local farming communities. RICA plays a vital role by integrating research, education, and extension services to train the next generation of Rwandan farmers.
The pilot phase of the project will primarily benefit cooperatives in Gashora, located in Bugesera District, an area known for its agricultural activity. The Rwandan government has been keen to promote such initiatives, as agriculture remains a cornerstone of the country’s economy, contributing 25% to its Gross Domestic Product.
As Volkswagen Group Africa continues to explore expansion possibilities post-pilot, the GenFarm Project represents a forward-looking model of technological innovation and sustainability, signaling the potential of e-mobility to transform rural agriculture across Africa.
Andile Dlamini, Volkswagen Group Africa’s Head of Group Communications, confirmed that the initiative underscores the company’s dedication to improving livelihoods and fostering sustainable practices in Africa.
