All case studies
Community

Impact Loop — Micro-Factory Sierra Leone

Micro-factory for dried fruit in Sierra Leone

Agriculture & food processing · Sierra Leone · Active project

Local value creation instead of raw exports · community funding

Company profile

Who is behind it

Initiative
Impact Loop GmbH
Industry
Agriculture, food processing & sustainable development
Project region
Sierra Leone / Africa
Focus
Decentralised value creation through local production
Starting point

The challenge

To strengthen local farming in Sierra Leone and minimise post-harvest losses of tropical fruit, Impact Loop developed an innovative concept for decentralised food processing.

Solution & system concept

How we delivered it

  1. 01

    Micro-factory

    A compact, energy-self-sufficient, mobile production unit was built and operated on site.

  2. 02

    Drying technology

    The unit uses a decentralised microgrid of 15 kWp PV and 32 kWh battery storage to process fresh fruit into premium dried fruit.

  3. 03

    On-site value creation

    Processing in the region keeps the whole value chain in Sierra Leone — and shelf life extends without a cold chain.

  4. 04

    Community funding

    As an alternative to crowd-funding, project capital is raised via the platform using profit-sharing rights or silent partnerships.

Economic & ecological benefits

What the project achieves

  • Reduced food loss through fast, gentle on-site processing.
  • Income security: local jobs and higher income for smallholders and workers.
  • Climate protection & energy efficiency: no energy-heavy cold chains, optimised drying.
Key figures

Impact at a glance

15 kWp

PV capacity

32 kWh

Battery storage

100% local

Value creation

Community funding

Financing

Comparison

Project indicators at a glance

IndicatorBeforeAfter (micro-factory)Effect
ProcessingRaw exportOn-site in Sierra LeoneValue creation in country
Energy supplyGrid / diesel15 kWp PV + 32 kWh storageEnergy self-sufficient
Social effectFair pay & jobsStable incomes
Climate effectLogistics CO₂Local logisticsLower CO₂ & losses
Impressions

Pictures from the project

Impact Loop — Micro-Factory Sierra Leone — project image 1Impact Loop — Micro-Factory Sierra Leone — project image 2Impact Loop — Micro-Factory Sierra Leone — project image 3
Our micro-factory in Sierra Leone makes food processing independent of large supply chains. It strengthens the region, creates jobs and significantly reduces food waste."
Kai Kölsch, Founder & Managing Director, Impact Loop GmbH
What can be transferred

Takeaway for your project

This model fits if you want to combine regional value creation with decentralised renewables and community capital — also outside classic markets.

Similar project? Let's talk.

We show you whether the model fits your setup — in 30 minutes.