Ugandan Startup SANDI AI Wins UGX 190 Million GoGettaz Prize for Transforming Agricultural Finance

What the report says

KIGALI, Rwanda — Ugandan artificial intelligence startup SANDI AI Technologies has won the 2026 GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize, receiving US$50,000, or about UGX 190 million, in growth funding, according to Watchdog Uganda. The company was founded by Ugandan entrepreneur Nabakka Sandra and was recognised for its work on improving access to finance for smallholder farmers, a longstanding challenge across African agriculture.

Watchdog Uganda reported that SANDI AI’s solution uses artificial intelligence to help connect rural farmers with collateral-free loans. The startup is aiming to move beyond traditional lending models that often exclude farmers who lack formal employment records, fixed assets or other standard requirements. The company says its technology is intended to assess farmers more effectively and create more inclusive financial pathways.

The prize was awarded at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2026 Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, a gathering that brought together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and other stakeholders focused on food systems and agricultural development. SANDI AI emerged as the overall winner in the female-led venture category after competing with agrifood businesses from across the continent.

The recognition could help the Ugandan startup expand its technology and reach more farming communities. More broadly, the result highlights growing interest in agri-fintech and AI tools that may help close financing gaps for smallholder farmers, a need that many African governments, lenders and development groups continue to discuss as part of efforts to strengthen food security and rural livelihoods.