Spowdi and Mace Foods announce partnership to bridge the gap in supply and demand for smallholder farmers – the crucial role of trusted off-takers  

Spowdi, the Swedish and Kenyan greentech company pioneering solar-powered irrigation for smallholder farmers, has announced a strategic partnership with Mace Foods, a Kenya-based agribusiness leader in spices and ethnic foods. 

In the new collaboration, Mace Foods is acting as an off-taker, a critical actor in strengthening smallholder farming by providing farmers with reliable market access and predictable demand for their produce. By committing to purchase agreed quantities at transparent prices, off-takers reduce market uncertainty and help farmers plan their production more confidently. For smallholder farmers, this stable link to buyers not only increases income security but also creates the foundation needed to invest in better technologies, expand production, and operate as resilient agri-entrepreneurs. 

The collaboration between Spowdi and Mace Foods aims at enhancing productivity, sustainability, and climate resilience among Mace Foods’ farmer networks across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, equipping them with Spowdi’s innovative solar-powered irrigation systems. 

“This partnership with Mace Foods demonstrates how innovation and collaboration can transform smallholder farming,” said Henrik Johansson, CEO of Spowdi. “By providing farmers with the tools to irrigate sustainably, we’re not only improving productivity but also supporting livelihoods and climate adaptation across East Africa.” 

By integrating Spowdi’s technology into Mace Foods’ agricultural value chain, the two companies are helping farmers increase yields, reduce dependency on fossil fuels, and strengthen their position in regional and global food markets. 

“This collaboration with Spowdi reflects our shared belief that innovation can uplift entire farming communities,” said Margaret Komen, CEO and Founder of Mace Foods. “By merging our expertise with Spowdi’s breakthrough technology, we are equipping farmers with the tools to cultivate prosperity for generations to come.” 

Together, Spowdi and Mace Foods are building a scalable model for inclusive and climate-smart agriculture, empowering farmers and driving Africa’s transformation into a global hub for sustainable, value-added food products. As a first step in this partnership, 50 of Mace Foods’ farmers will have the opportunity to enroll in IaaS, Irrigation-as-a-Service, where they are introduced to the Spowdi Smart Farming system in a subscription-based model. The IaaS framework aims to make innovative technology even more accessible for farmers by lowering any financial barriers. 

“This is just the beginning. By joining forces with Mace Foods, we’re laying the groundwork and trusted off-takers are key for building a scalable model that can reach thousands more farmers in the coming years,” says Henrik Johansson.

About Spowdi 

Spowdi is a Swedish greentech company that develops solar-powered mobile drip irrigation systems for smallholder farmers. With Spowdi’s technology, farmers can increase yields, reduce water use, and lower their dependence on fossil fuels. Spowdi also offers a Smart Farming app for monitoring, training, and data collection. 

www.spowdi.com  

About Mace Foods Ltd 

Mace Foods Ltd is a Kenya-based agribusiness company specializing in spices and ethnic African foods. The company produces, processes, and markets high-quality dried chilies, African leafy vegetables, and traditional foods for both domestic and export markets. 

Through its deep engagement with smallholder farmers, Mace Foods promotes sustainable agricultural practices, community empowerment, and the preservation of African food heritage while connecting rural producers to global value chains. 

https://macefoods.com