Day Light Solar Energies is among the 10 enterprises participating in The Safe Water Accelerator Uganda, a prestigious program by CEWAS designed to scale innovative water solutions. Running through August 2025, the accelerator supports startups across the water value chain, including two water drilling and pumping companies, three water purification companies, one water kiosk, three water technology companies (including Day Light Solar Energies), and one water consulting and engineering firm.
The nine other enterprises include: WaterKit, Sunda Technologies Uganda Ltd, Water Giants Africa Ltd, Cama Women Plumbers Network Ltd, Health Shore Ltd, Vepox Filter, Tusafishe, W. Water Works Ltd, and Joelex Uganda Limited/Keza Water.
Through a hybrid model of in-person bootcamps, online modules, and field support, participants receive tailored coaching, intensive training, and dynamic networking opportunities to become investment-ready.
The accelerator also provides technical assistance and a catalytic €10,000 (approx. UGX42.2 million) grant, enabling companies like Day Light Solar Energies to implement transformative projects that deepen their impact. This support is crucial for scaling operations, refining business models, and ensuring sustainable growth.
Beyond monetary value and technical assistance, the innovators will be able to connect with peers and investors, unlock impact capital, and receive facilitation support and technical backstopping during the process. In addition, the accelerator will help them scale their business and improve water services for millions of people across Uganda and beyond
By fostering collaboration among innovators, the accelerator is positioning Uganda as a hub for cutting-edge water solutions, with Day Light Solar Energies at the forefront.
A game-changer for water access
In Uganda, where access to clean water remains a critical challenge for many communities, Day Light Solar Energies is pioneering a transformative solution that blends cutting-edge artificial intelligence with a mission-driven approach to social impact.
Founded by visionary entrepreneur Sandra Nabakka, Day Light Solar Energies is not only bridging the gap between underserved communities and financial institutions but also delivering and installing essential water-related technologies to create lasting change.
At the heart of Day Light Solar Energies’ mission is an AI-powered chatbot, Sandi AI, designed to streamline the process of securing funding for water infrastructure projects. Accessible via web and mobile devices, Sandi AI guides organized groups—such as farmer cooperatives, Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), and women-led collectives—through every step of the financing process.
From identifying specific water needs to matching groups with suitable lenders and submitting applications, Sandi AI eliminates the bureaucratic hurdles that have long hindered progress in rural Uganda.
See also: WaterCredit is revolutionizing access to clean water and sanitation in rural communities
The process is straightforward yet powerful. Groups register through the chatbot, and Day Light Solar verifies their legitimacy in collaboration with local leaders to ensure the most underserved communities are prioritized.
Sandi AI then leverages advanced algorithms to assess the group’s creditworthiness by analyzing data such as mobile money transactions, savings habits, and repayment histories. In real time, the chatbot consults with partner financial institutions to present tailored loan offers, which groups can review, accept, or decline.
Once approved, Day Light Solar steps in to deliver and install critical water systems, such as solar-powered pumps, drip irrigation kits, rainwater harvesting tanks, school water filtration units, or handwashing stations. Flexible repayment plans with grace periods further ease the financial burden, making sustainable water solutions accessible to all.
This AI-driven approach is a stark departure from traditional financing models, which often exclude rural communities due to their lack of formal credit profiles or access to urban banking systems. As Sandra Nabakka explains, “WaterCredit eliminates the hurdles of traditional financing. It guides groups through every step, resulting in quicker approvals, improved loan terms, and broader access to essential water and sanitation services.”
See also: How WaterCredit is democratizing water access: Sandra Nabakka speaks with PC Tech Magazine
8,000 lives transformed and counting
Since its inception, Day Light Solar Energies has made remarkable strides. The company has partnered with 28 financial institutions across Uganda, enabling it to serve 8,000 individuals through their community groups.
From solar irrigation systems that boost agricultural productivity to clean water filtration units that protect schoolchildren from waterborne diseases, the impact is tangible and far-reaching. The flexibility of the platform is a key strength. Whether a community needs a solar-powered pump to irrigate crops or a rainwater harvesting tank to ensure year-round water availability, Sandi AI tailors solutions to meet diverse needs.
With climate change disrupting rainfall patterns and straining water resources, such timely access to technology is critical for resilience and sustainability. Day Light Solar Energies’ vision extends beyond Uganda, with plans to scale its AI-first approach to unlock financing for tens of thousands of underserved communities across Sub-Saharan Africa.
