Bolstered by fresh funding from Cambridge Enterprise Ventures, Innovate UK, and the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Cambridge-based social enterprise Majicom is set to deepen its impact in East Africa. The company is expanding its network of innovative solar water kiosks, a technology designed to deliver clean, affordable drinking water while simultaneously combating plastic pollution in densely populated urban areas and university campuses.
A Circular Approach as Majicom Expands Solar Water Kiosks in East Africa
Following a successful launch at universities in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Majicom is now entering the Kenyan market. The company’s off-grid kiosks utilize a proprietary system to purify, store, and dispense safe drinking water at a cost over 50 percent lower than traditional bottled water. This model directly addresses the environmental challenge of single-use plastics prevalent in educational institutions.
In a significant move toward a circular economy, Majicom has forged a strategic partnership with INNO-NEAT, a Kenyan technology firm. This collaboration tackles the critical issue of electronic waste, as up to 90% of battery waste in Sub-Saharan Africa ends up in landfills. INNO-NEAT specializes in repurposing lithium-ion battery waste into efficient solar power management systems, which will now be integrated into Majicom’s kiosks. “Our collaboration with INNO-NEAT enables us to build more sustainable kiosks while supporting the local economy,” stated Mike Coto, CEO of Majicom. “Together, we’re not just providing clean water but also championing a greener, closed-loop system that reuses existing resources.”
University Campuses Embrace Sustainable Solutions
Majicom’s expansion into Kenya includes pilot programs at two of the country’s largest universities, the University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University, which together serve over 100,000 students. The commitment from these institutions underscores the growing demand for sustainable infrastructure on campuses.
Professor Gitau of the University of Nairobi endorsed the initiative, commenting, “Access to affordable, sustainable drinking water is essential for our students. Majicom’s innovative kiosks provide an excellent solution to meet this need while also helping to reduce plastic waste.”
Cultivating Local Engineering Talent
Beyond its technological and environmental goals, Majicom is deeply invested in local capacity building. With support from the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Higher Education Partnerships (HEP) program, the company is transforming engineering education in Tanzania. Majicom has partnered with four universities and technical institutes to embed its kiosk technology directly into engineering and manufacturing curricula.
This hands-on approach is further enhanced by the “Impact Engineer” training program, a joint effort with partners like Ardhi University and Ekihya. The program is designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application. Lillian Madeje of Ekihya noted its importance: “The Impact Engineer program… equip[s] students with practical skills that are invaluable in today’s job market.” Graduates will also be eligible for internships with Majicom in 2025, creating a direct pathway to careers in sustainable technology.
Through this multi-faceted strategy of technological innovation, strategic partnerships, and educational development, Majicom is not only delivering clean water but also fostering a resilient and sustainable future for communities across the region.
