SomaBox
We design and manufacture the SomaBox computer — purpose-built hardware that brings offline digital learning to schools with no internet infrastructure.
We Build the Computer That Powers Offline Education
Solvit Africa manufactures the SomaBox — a purpose-built computer designed and assembled by our engineering team in partnership with Soma Foundation Rwanda. From PCB design to firmware to final assembly, every unit is engineered with one goal: bringing offline digital education to schools that have no internet infrastructure.
We don't just distribute a product — we build it. Our hardware engineers, embedded software developers, and quality assurance team work together to produce a device that is reliable, durable, and purpose-fitted for real classroom environments across Africa and beyond.
- Custom PCB design and in-house hardware engineering
- Full embedded firmware and software stack built by our team
- End-to-end assembly, testing, and quality control
- Manufactured for deployment in low-infrastructure schools
Engineering Hardware That Works Where Others Can't
Our mission is to manufacture computers that perform reliably in environments with no power grid stability, no internet connection, and no on-site technical support. The SomaBox is built to survive and serve in the most challenging deployment conditions on the continent.
By owning the full manufacturing process — hardware design, firmware, assembly, and QA — we can iterate fast, keep costs low, and deliver a product that truly fits the realities of African classrooms.
The Second Generation SomaBox Computer
After listening to feedback from the field, our engineering team redesigned the SomaBox from the board up. V2 is our most capable hardware yet — wider coverage, stronger radio, smarter firmware.
What We Engineered for V2
V2 features a completely redesigned radio module, a new dual-band chipset, and a rewritten firmware stack. We also manufactured a larger enclosure to accommodate the upgraded antenna arrays and extended battery capacity.
- Redesigned PCB with upgraded dual-band radio chipset
- New firmware with Samba file-sharing layer built in
- Extended antenna design for wider area coverage
- Admin content management interface flashed at factory
- Increased simultaneous connection capacity
Every Feature, Engineered From the Ground Up
We manufacture each SomaBox with a custom hardware and software stack — designed, built, and tested entirely in-house to meet the demands of real classroom environments.
Custom Hardware Design
We engineer every SomaBox board from the ground up — custom PCB layouts, processor selection, and thermal management optimised for low-power, high-reliability operation in the field.
End-to-End Assembly
From component sourcing to final enclosure assembly, every unit is built in-house. Our manufacturing process ensures consistency, durability, and quality at every stage.
Firmware & Embedded Software
Our engineers develop and maintain the full firmware stack powering each device — including the offline content server, Samba layer, dual-band Wi-Fi stack, and admin interface.
Offline-First Architecture
We designed the hardware and software together from the start. The result is a device that broadcasts its own Wi-Fi network and serves content without ever touching the internet.
Dual-Band Wi-Fi Engineering
Our dual-band radio design lets 5G-capable devices run at full speed while simultaneously supporting legacy devices — all from a single compact unit.
Quality Control & Testing
Every SomaBox unit goes through a rigorous multi-stage test protocol before leaving our facility — stress tests, connectivity benchmarks, and content-delivery validation.
Full Feature Checklist
- Custom-designed PCB engineered for low power consumption
- In-house firmware development and OTA update support
- Real Simultaneous Dual Band (5 GHz + 2.4 GHz) radio module
- Embedded offline content server built into the hardware
- Samba file-sharing layer for seamless local browsing
- Built-in rechargeable battery for off-grid operation
- Rugged, compact enclosure designed for classroom use
- Admin management interface flashed at manufacturing
- Configurable storage — up to several terabytes of content
- Full QA and burn-in testing before shipment
From Circuit Board to Classroom
Every SomaBox computer goes through a structured four-stage manufacturing process — designed, assembled, tested, and delivered entirely by our team.
Hardware Design & Prototyping
Our engineers design custom PCBs, select components, and prototype the SomaBox computer from scratch — iterating until the device meets our performance, power, and durability standards.
Firmware & Software Build
We develop the full embedded firmware stack in-house: the offline content server, dual-band Wi-Fi stack, Samba layer, and admin interface — all flashed and tested on each unit before assembly.
Assembly & Quality Testing
Every unit is assembled in our facility and put through a rigorous QA process — connectivity benchmarks, stress tests, content-delivery validation, and full burn-in before it leaves the line.
Delivery & Ongoing Support
Finished SomaBox computers are packaged, configured with content, and shipped to schools and partners. We continue providing firmware updates and technical support throughout the device lifecycle.
