LIMURU, Kenya – A major step forward in transforming agriculture through clean energy is underway as more than 100 stakeholders from across East Africa gather for the 2025 DREEM Partners Conference in Limuru, Kenya. The two-day event brings together government leaders, agri-solar entrepreneurs, financiers, and development partners to accelerate the adoption of solar energy in agriculture.
The conference, organized by the Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC) in collaboration with Heifer International Uganda and WWF Tanzania, is part of the ambitious Distributed Renewable Energy Ecosystem Model (DREEM) Hub initiative.
The DREEM hub program focuses on equipping farmers and agricultural businesses in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania with affordable solar-powered solutions such as cold storage, irrigation systems, and processing tools—critical technologies for reducing food losses and boosting productivity.
“Agriculture is the backbone of East Africa’s economy, but without reliable and affordable energy, farmers face enormous barriers,” said Joseph Murabula, CEO of KCIC. “Through DREEM, we are building a clean energy ecosystem that supports food security, creates green jobs, and strengthens climate resilience.”
One of the key announcements came from Okettayot Vicent Okema, representing Uganda’s Ministry of Trade, who revealed Uganda’s plan to establish a Climate Innovation Centre. “This center will enhance food safety and align with the DREEM vision of using renewable energy to power agricultural transformation,” he noted.
William Matovu, the Country Director Heifer International Uganda, noted that the project provides an opportunity for dairy sector actors to support farmers to go green while maximising productivity and profits. With this, the 20 per cent losses made by cooperatives due to lack of efficient energy will be no more.
The conference features a robust agenda, including:
- Innovative financing models to help solar entrepreneurs and cooperatives scale their impact;
- High-level policy dialogues to create enabling regulations for agri-solar development;
- A technology showcase of the latest solar innovations supporting smallholder farmers;
- Strategic planning for the sustainability of DREEM Hubs beyond donor support.
Key speakers include Mr. Samuel Booth Passmore of the Mott Foundation, senior officials from the Ministries of Energy across the three countries, and representatives from organizations like WWF, CLASP, Heifer Impact Capital, and Open Capital.
The conference is not just a gathering—it’s a catalyst for action. As stakeholders deliberate on cross-border collaborations and future-proof strategies, the DREEM initiative stands as a bold example of how regional partnerships can drive sustainable development and climate-smart agriculture in Africa.
