Ghanaian clean energy startup, Kofa, has partnered Kenya’s Autopax to introduce a model of electric motorcycles tailored for the African market, with the unveiling happening during a signing ceremony in Nairobi on 15th February 2024,
The new model of electric motorcycles is expected to herald a new era for eco-friendly transport solutions in Kenya and across the continent.
This partnership aligns with Kenya’s President William Ruto’s Government Green Transport Initiative, reflecting Kenya and Ghana’s commitment to leading sustainable mobility solutions in Africa. The collaboration aims to address pressing climate change challenges and significantly reduce carbon emissions.
The high-tech electric motorcycle, designed and tested in Kenya and Ghana, is poised to revolutionise transportation in the region. Specifically engineered to withstand the demanding conditions of boda-boda operations, corporate services, and personal use, the motorcycle’s development focused on durability and efficiency.
The agreement states that:
- Kofa will establish a sustainable battery swap network, ensuring reliable energy storage and management solutions across the region.
- Autopax Limited will undertake the assembly of the electric motorcycles and produce local parts in compliance with Kenyan localization regulations. Additionally, the company will establish a robust distribution network to ensure accessibility and support for customers across Kenya and the broader East and Central Africa region.
The initiative will not only introduce eco-friendly transportation options but is also expected to kindle economic growth by creating valuable jobs and fostering skill development within the local community. Moreover, in adherence to motorcycle regulations, certain components of the motorcycles will be locally sourced, further enhancing local production capacity.
Commenting on the partnership, CEO of Autopax, Joy Kalua, noted its significance in advancing cleaner transport solutions and meeting the needs of Kenyan businesses and entrepreneurs. CEO of Kofa, Erik Nygard, also highlighted the transformative potential of the Kore2 Swap & Go network in revolutionizing electric vehicle operations in Kenya.
The electric motorcycles are scheduled to launch in the fourth quarter of 2024. Beyond commercial objectives, the partners also aim to provide practical mobility solutions that power the aspirations of the African community, fostering a more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive future.