Electric tractors for farming in Rwanda on the cards

Volkswagen has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Rwanda to establish a modern farm with electric tractors.

23 V Wrwanda1

The MoU was signed by Dr Ildephonse Musafiri, the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Serge Kamuhinda, CEO of Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda, and Martina Biene, Chairperson and Managing Director of Volkswagen South Africa, in the presence of Imelda Labbé, member of the Brand Board of Management of Volkswagen for Marketing, Sales and After-sales.

As part of the MoU, the Government of Rwanda has agreed to provide land in Gashora (Bugesera District) for the project, as well as to assist with permitting and licensing requirements of the project.

The objective of the GenFarm Project in Rwanda is to make a positive, sustainable socio-economic and environmental impact on the community by creating a carbon neutral business ecosystem.

Dr Ildephonse Musafiri, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Martina Biene, Chairperson and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group South, and Serge Kamuhinda, CEO of Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda.

The GenFarm Project is a holistic ecosystem of e-powered mechanised farming service for rural areas in Africa that is reliable, sustainable and environmentally friendly. The excess energy used to charge the electric tractors will provide power for post-harvest handling and storage.

The pilot project in Rwanda is steered by Volkswagen Group Innovation in partnership with Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda.

“The signing of the MoU with the Government of Rwanda marks yet another milestone for Volkswagen’s sustainable mobility lighthouse projects in Rwanda. Our long-term plan is to build up demand for electric batteries in Africa by introducing locally relevant business solutions.

“The future of mobility in Africa will also be determined by the storage and distribution of green energy. With the GenFarm, we hope to address the mobility needs of customers with high transformational impact on the African economy,” says Martina.

More New Energy Vehicles stories

SA’s EV-charging landscape: Power to the people

SA’s EV-charging landscape: Power to the people

South Africa is a large country but with refuelling stations nearly everywhere across towns, cities and even in remote rural areas, enough provision has been made for all types of vehicles to refuel somewhere.

  • 9 October 2025
Leapmotor to debut at Stellantis dealerships

Leapmotor to debut at Stellantis dealerships

The Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, Leapmotor, has entered South Africa and its vehicles will soon be available at selected Stellantis dealerships across the country.

  • 6 October 2025