GenFarm Project begins in rural Africa

Volkswagen Group Africa has announced the start of operations of its new facility to pilot modern farming with e-tractors across the continent

In an attempt to ensure that rural Africa’s farming is reliable, sustainable and environmentally friendly, Volkswagen Group Africa has announced the start of operations of its multifunctional facility to pilot modern farming with e- tractors across the continent. The GenFarm Project is a holistic ecosystem of e-powered mechanised farming service providing mobility services for transportation of goods and people.

In June 2023, Volkswagen Group Africa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Rwanda to provide land for the establishment of this project. Piloted in Rwanda in partnership with Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda and Volkswagen Group Innovation Centre Europe, the GenFarm Project comprises the Empowerment Hub (e-Hub), currently a pre-Hub built around specifically equipped standard containers while in the initial phase. This will be a key component of the GenFarm.

The e-Hub is expected to be operational by the first half of 2025, with its construction being currently underway. Equipped with photovoltaic power system and the energy storage system, the e-Hub will supply clean energy, storage space and business space to the cooperatives. This includes space for their service operations, e-tractor services, and e-scooter services. Volkswagen Group Africa facilitates the stakeholder steering committee and reviews post pilot expansion possibilities. The pilot phase of the project will benefit cooperatives in Gashora which is in the Bugesera district. The project allows farmers to book an e-tractor including a trained driver for affordable sustainable farming.

“The unique selling point of the project is the use of the battery swap system. In this way, the battery becomes part of the hub's energy infrastructure as well as energy storage for the tractor,” said managing director of Volkswagen Group Innovation, Dr Nikolai Ardey.

Volkswagen Group Africa chairperson and managing director, Martina Biene mentioned that they were growing their footprint in Africa and regarded 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,” said Biene.