Tech-Driven tractor financing expands access for Ugandan farmers

Hello Tractor, a leading agri-tech firm, has partnered with Heifer International to roll out an innovative Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) tractor financing model aimed at improving mechanised farming across Uganda

This partnership leverages smart technology to increase agricultural productivity, improve food supply, and generate employment along the farming value chain.

The latest phase of the partnership was officially launched on 12th September 2025 at Mascor Uganda, a well-known tractor dealership in Kampala. During the event, ten tractors were handed over to young entrepreneurs under the ‘Hello Tractor Booking Agents’ initiative.

Ronald Wabwire, Heifer International-Uganda’s Signature Programme Technical Lead, highlighted the collaboration’s purpose. “Our partnership with Hello Tractor furthers Heifer International’s mission of ending global poverty and hunger while caring for the earth through increased food production and on-farm productivity,” he said.

Wabwire noted that since the pilot of the Tractors for Africa project in June 2022, Heifer has facilitated access to 26 PAYG tractors, which Hello Tractor has matched, bringing the total active fleet on the platform in Uganda to 172. So far, the initiative has created 396 tractor operator jobs and supported 576 booking agents, enabling over 70,000 smallholder farmers to access mechanised services across 183,000 acres.

Hello Tractor provides tracking devices and software that allow farmers to book tractors via a mobile app. This system helps match the growing demand for mechanised services, especially in remote areas.

“The African continent has the least number of tractors per 1,000 hectares – fewer than two, compared to 10 in Asia,” Wabwire added, citing the limitations of hand tools and animal traction still used by over 95% of African farmers.

Farmers like Ogwang Moses Odongo and Joshua Waigolo shared how the PAYG model has helped them not only access tractors but also improve livelihoods and boost productivity in their communities.

Hello Tractor’s Credit Director, James Macharia, reported a 95% repayment rate under this model, thanks to flexible terms and strong after-sales support. Head of Operations Frank Muhumuza added, “We’re creating jobs and removing barriers to finance with tech-driven solutions that show real-time demand.”