Editor’s note: African-Startups is a sister publication of EU-Startups, bringing trusted coverage of startups, venture capital, and innovation across Africa.
Nordic Impact Funds has invested in Irrisol Engineering, a Ugandan company that builds and runs solar-powered water systems for rural communities. The investor joins DOB Equity, which backed the company last month.
“Thank you Nordic Impact Funds for believing in our vision. We will together scale sustainable water solutions and bring safe, reliable water to more communities,” said Irrisol Engineering
Founded in Uganda in 2017 by water and irrigation engineer Joash Bwambale, Irrisol builds and operates solar-powered water mini-grids that deliver piped water to households and community taps.
Customers pay by usage and can use pay-as-you-go plans through mobile money, which lets them match payments to their household income. The recurring revenue pays for the running and maintenance of each system.
The company also designs and installs standalone solar water systems for schools, health facilities, businesses and homes. Its solar-powered groundwater systems are built to keep running through droughts and floods.
The company has built 14 community mini-grids and more than 600 standalone systems. Some customers use the water to earn income, from coffee processing and kitchen gardens to fish farming.
Irrisol supplies piped water to households and community taps in areas that national utilities do not reach. Many rural families in Uganda still walk long distances for water or pay high prices for water that may not be safe. Irrisol says it now serves around 350,000 people and aims to reach 1 million by 2028.
“In rural Uganda, many families still walk long distances or pay high prices for water that may not be safe. Irrisol builds and operates solar-powered water mini-grids and standalone systems that bring safe, piped water to communities beyond the reach of national utilities. Its pay-as-you-go model matches payments to household incomes and keeps systems running for the long term. Irrisol now serves around 350,000 people and aims to reach 1 million by 2028,” said Nordic Impact Funds.
Nordic Impact Funds is an early-growth impact investor focused on supporting founders creating climate-resilient livelihoods in East Africa. They provide patient and flexible capital, along with hands-on support, to mission-driven teams during critical stages of development.
Their investment range is $100,000 to $2 million, targeting sectors such as agri-food value chains and inclusive finance/fintech. The geographic focus includes Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Malawi.
