Food insecurity continues to pose a significant challenge but one young Nigerian student, Smart Israel, has taken a bold step to transform agriculture in Rwanda. With a keen eye for innovation and sustainability, Smart founded an agri-tech company that designs and deploys portable hydroponic systems.
Smart Israel arrived in Rwanda as a student, but his keen sense of observation soon led him down an entrepreneurial path. “I came to Rwanda, saw a gap, and ended up filling it,” he explains. The gap he refers to is the lack of accessible and sustainable farming solutions for smallholder farmers and urban households. Determined to make a difference, he ventured into the world of hydroponics—an unconventional and modern approach to agriculture that allows plants to grow without soil, using nutrient-rich water instead.
However, his journey was not without its challenges. “Initially, there was a language barrier,” he recalls. “Interacting with people was difficult, but over time, I picked up the basics and adapted.” Another major hurdle was assembling a capable team. “One of the key things I learned was that having a local team member is crucial. Language is powerful. People only understand what you say, not what you think.”
Starting from scratch in a new country was no easy task. Smart had to first register his business, which, thanks to Rwanda’s efficient system, he was able to do in just six hours. He and his team then began prototyping, funding the initial stages from their own pockets.
A pivotal moment in Smart’s entrepreneurial journey came when he applied for the Hangar Pitchfest just a month after registering his business. “It was a turning point for us,” he shares. “We qualified among the top 25, went through an intensive boot camp, and received mentorship that helped shape our company.” Financial backing soon followed from the Circular Economy Investment Fund at the African Leadership University, providing the much-needed capital to take Smartel to the next level.
Smartel’s hydroponic systems are designed to cater to smallholder farmers and households, allowing them to grow fresh produce efficiently. “Food insecurity is not just about the lack of food; it’s also about affordability,” Smart emphasizes. “Many people need a way to grow fresh food at home at a lower cost.”
In 2023, Smartel expanded into growing fodder for animal feed, addressing another critical agricultural need. “We’ve reached out to cattle farmers, and already, three of them are using our system. It has increased milk production and improved the size of their cattle, leading to higher incomes.”
For Smart, hydroponics is more than just a business—it’s a solution to climate challenges. “Traditional farming practices contribute to CO2 emissions and soil degradation. I wanted to create a sustainable agricultural system that positively impacts the environment,” he explains.
What makes Smartel’s systems unique is the integration of smart technology. “We don’t just stop at hydroponics; we incorporate nutrient monitoring, plant defect detection, and smart irrigation to ensure optimal efficiency.”
Despite the success, Smart acknowledges that the adoption rate of hydroponics was initially slow. “People didn’t know about hydroponics, so we had to invest heavily in marketing and education.” He also learned the hard way that hiring the right team is crucial. “At first, we focused only on skills, but we realized that commitment and passion are just as important.”
Today, Smartel is making waves beyond Rwanda. Smart has had the opportunity to speak about climate systems and sustainable food solutions internationally, including in the U.S. His work has earned him the Young Environment Ambassadors Award and recognition from the United Nations.
Looking ahead, Smartel is set to scale its impact further. Through a partnership with the World Food Programme, they are training 3,000 smallholder farmers and building 300 hydroponic systems in Rwanda and Nigeria.
Reflecting on his journey, Smart offers one key piece of advice to young entrepreneurs: “Don’t wait. Start early. You will make mistakes, but those mistakes are part of building something meaningful. The most important thing is giving your best.”
Through vision, determination, and innovative thinking, Smart Israel is not only transforming agriculture in Rwanda but also inspiring a new generation of changemakers in Africa and beyond.
