Jason de Berry Quenum | 15 septembre 2026
https://www.wearetech.africa/en/fils-uk/tech-stars/sandra-nabakka-uses-ai-to-automate-farm-irrigation-in-east-africa
- Sandra Nabakka founded Sandi AI in 2025 to combine artificial intelligence, satellite data, soil sensors and solar power to optimize agricultural irrigation.
- Sandi AI says its technology can reduce water consumption by up to 90% while increasing crop yields and lowering farmers’ operating costs.
- The company says it has deployed its solutions to more than 4,100 farmer groups across Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, while a collective savings model helps smallholders finance the equipment progressively.
Ugandan social entrepreneur and artificial intelligence specialist Sandra Nabakka (pictured) focuses her work on transforming African agriculture. She founded and leads Sandi AI, a technology company that develops intelligent digital solutions to help farmers optimize their operations.
Nabakka founded Sandi AI in 2025. The company combines artificial intelligence, satellite data, soil sensors and solar energy to determine precisely when and where crops require irrigation.
Sandi AI uses satellite imagery to forecast weather conditions, analyze soil moisture and assess water requirements. Soil sensors refine those analyses, while solar-powered pumps supply farms with water without using fossil fuels.
Through this system, Sandi AI says farmers can reduce water consumption by up to 90% while increasing crop yields and lowering operating costs.
However, smallholder farmers can face significant upfront costs when they adopt agricultural technology. Sandi AI addresses that barrier through a collective savings model that allows farmers to pool their resources and gradually finance their equipment.
The company also deploys its technology in stages. Farmers first adopt solar-powered pumping systems before adding soil sensors and eventually gaining access to full satellite-based analysis.
In addition, Sandi AI provides an artificial intelligence-powered virtual assistant that gives farmers direct advice. The company says it has already deployed its solutions to more than 4,100 farmer groups across Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
Nabakka earned a bachelor’s degree in information technology from Ndejje University in 2022. She also holds a master’s degree in artificial intelligence for sustainable development from University College London.
Before focusing fully on her company, Nabakka served as managing director of Elevate Bridge Builders from 2024 to 2026. The organization works to improve global hygiene and sanitation standards.