The initiative, known as , integrates modular solar microgrids with purpose-built micro electric tractors to help smallholder farmers increase productivity and crop yields in a sustainable way.
The Aftrak Micro Electric Tractor can operate in rugged, off-grid environments with no access to fuel or reliable roads. Powered entirely by solar energy, it supports a wide range of attachments for digging, planting, watering, and harvesting – allowing multiple farming tasks to be completed with the same machine.
Field trials have shown that using the tractor can double or even triple crop yields, boosting farmers’ incomes and enabling them to reinvest in the system by purchasing electricity from the local microgrid.
In Malawi, where Aftrak is conducting pilot deployments, the hard and compacted soil often prevents roots from growing effectively. The tractor’s deep-bed farming attachment overturns soil to a depth of 300–400 mm, improving water absorption and root development. This approach helps regenerate farmland, enhances drought and flood resilience, and supports long-term food security for rural communities.
Dr Toby Williams, a director of Aftrak Limited, added: “The original version we built had an integrated tool. It was powerful and stable but hard to maneuver on rough terrain. While effective for soil work, it wasn’t ideal for all users.
“We trialed it in Malawi and received valuable feedback. Operating it required walking backwards, which was difficult for many people, so we redesigned it.
“The new version is smaller, with a single axle for better maneuverability. The tool is now off-board, allowing forward operation. It’s a far more user-friendly machine.”
Many smallholders in sub-Saharan Africa are near or below subsistence level, typically about 200 kg of maize per person per year. By helping them grow more food, it can free up time for other work, push production above subsistence, and create opportunities to sell surplus crops.
Dr Jonathan Wilson, lecturer in sustainable energy systems at Loughborough University and a director of Aftrak Limited, said: “Aftrak started a few years ago when we were touring Malawi, looking at solutions to energy access. As you walk around, you become aware that people lack both electricity and basic tools.
“That issue with tools resonated with us. We started exploring how to bring tractors to Africa, but it wasn’t easy. Fuel isn’t readily available everywhere, and there isn’t capital to buy large tractors. So we focused on small solar electric tractors. We built a system combining a micro electric tractor, modular solar array, and education in deep bed farming. This approach has shown a reliable two to threefold increase in crop yields.”
Having hit the ground running in a little over 2 years, Aftrak is now a certified social venture and is expanding fast, from the first prototype to now preparing their first mass produced product.
The team anticipates that in the next six months these tractors will be available on the open market and distributed across Africa. From there, they plan to produce to thousands per year, reaching Africa, Europe, Brazil, and beyond.
Dr Wilson added: “Our design goal has been simplicity, maneuverability, and easy repair. The handle is adjustable for height and ability, and the balance reduces strain. It’s fully self-propelled, pulling itself through the soil while powering tools automatically.
“Aftrak has worked hard to validate, improve, and optimise the product for mass production at low cost. This will make it sustainable and accessible to those who need it most.”