Across the African continent, a quiet revolution is unfolding in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, driven by a wave of African-owned manufacturers committed to addressing the region’s unique mobility challenges.
As the global EV market continues to grow, African manufacturers are stepping up, proving that the continent can be a hub for green technology. Here’s a closer look at the top 10 African-owned EV manufacturers making waves in 2025.
1. Ampersand Electric Motorcycles
Ampersand, a Rwandan startup founded in 2016, has solidified its position as a leader in East Africa’s electric motorcycle market. Targeting the region’s motorcycle taxi drivers, Ampersand’s bikes offer a 100 km range and a battery-swapping model that eliminates charging downtime.
With operating costs 30% lower than petrol bikes, drivers save around $500 annually. The company has deployed over 3,000 bikes in Rwanda and Kenya, supported by 50 battery-swapping stations, cutting CO2 emissions by 12,000 tons annually.
Ampersand’s CEO, Josh Whale, recently announced plans to expand into Uganda and Tanzania, aiming for a fleet of 15,000 bikes by 2027. However, scaling infrastructure in rural areas remains a challenge amidst growing competition from Chinese manufacturers.
2. BasiGo
BasiGo, a Kenyan e-mobility startup launched in 2021, is transforming public transit with its electric buses. The BasiGo K6 bus, boasting a 250 km range and capacity for 25 passengers, is designed for Africa’s rugged roads.
Through a pay-as-you-drive model, BasiGo makes electric buses accessible to operators, reducing upfront costs. The company has deployed 70 buses in Nairobi and Kigali, saving 7,000 tons of CO2 annually.
In 2024, BasiGo secured $10 million in funding to expand its fleet and charging infrastructure. “We’re committed to making clean transport a reality for all East Africans,” said founder Jit Bhattacharya. BasiGo plans to introduce smaller electric shuttles for rural routes in late 2025, with a goal of 500 buses by 2028.
3. Shift EV
Shift EV, founded in 2020 in Egypt, is pioneering a unique approach by retrofitting diesel vehicles into electric ones, focusing on commercial fleets.
Their technology converts diesel vans into EVs with a 150 km range, slashing conversion costs by 40% compared to purchasing new electric vehicles. Shift EV has converted 300 vehicles in Cairo and Alexandria, saving 2,000 tons of CO2 annually.
The company’s focus on last-mile delivery aligns with Egypt’s booming e-commerce sector. “Retrofitting is a practical way to electrify fleets without breaking the bank,” said CEO Mohamed El-Sayed. Shift EV aims to expand into Morocco and Tunisia, targeting 1,500 conversions by 2027, though regulatory hurdles for retrofitted vehicles pose challenges.
4. Spiro
Spiro, a Nigerian startup launched in 2022, is electrifying West Africa’s motorcycle taxi sector with its electric bikes.
Offering a 90 km range, Spiro’s bikes are paired with over 100 battery-swapping stations across Nigeria, Benin, and Togo.
Priced at $0.02 per km to operate (compared to $0.05 for petrol bikes), Spiro has deployed 2,000 bikes, reducing emissions by 4,500 tons annually.
The company has partnered with local governments to promote EV adoption in urban centers. “We’re empowering drivers with affordable, sustainable options,” said founder Ralph Olaye.
Spiro plans to enter Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire by 2026, aiming for a fleet of 8,000 bikes, though funding constraints remain a hurdle.
5. Dodai Manufacturing PLC
Dodai, a Japanese-Ethiopian joint venture established in 2022, is making strides in Ethiopia by assembling and selling electric motorcycles. Their bikes, designed for Addis Ababa’s urban needs, offer a 120 km range and are priced 20% lower than imported alternatives.
Read Also: Burkina Faso’s ITAOUA: A Milestone in Africa’s Electric Vehicle Revolution
Dodai has sold 1,500 bikes, targeting motorcycle taxi drivers and reducing emissions by 3,000 tons annually. The company’s local assembly model supports job creation, employing 200 workers.
“We’re building a sustainable mobility ecosystem in Ethiopia,” said CEO Yuma Sasaki. Dodai aims to expand into rural Ethiopia and export to Sudan by 2027, though political instability and foreign exchange shortages pose risks.
6. ITAOUA EV
ITAOUA EV, launched in January 2025, marks a historic milestone as Burkina Faso’s first 100% indigenous EV manufacturer. Based in Ouaga 2000, ITAOUA produces electric cars designed by Burkinabe engineers, with a 200 km range and a price tag of $15,000.
The company has sold 200 units, primarily to government agencies and small businesses, aiming to position Burkina Faso as a tech hub. “We’re proving that Africa can lead in green technology,” said founder Issa Traoré.
ITAOUA plans to scale production to 2,000 units annually by 2028 and explore export opportunities in Mali and Niger, though limited production capacity and charging infrastructure are challenges.
7. Zembo
Zembo, a Ugandan startup founded in 2018, is electrifying the boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) market with solar-powered electric bikes. Offering a 100 km range, Zembo’s bikes are supported by 30 solar charging stations, a sustainable solution for Uganda’s unreliable grid.
The company’s lease-to-own model makes bikes accessible to low-income drivers. Zembo has deployed 1,200 bikes, saving 2,500 tons of CO2 annually. “Solar power is the future of e-mobility in Africa,” said CEO Etienne Saint-Sernin. Zembo aims to expand into Kenya and Rwanda by 2026, targeting 5,000 bikes, though high infrastructure costs remain a barrier.
8. Mobius Motors
Mobius Motors, a Kenyan company founded in 2011, has pivoted from petrol vehicles to EVs, launching the Mobius III EV in 2024.
This electric SUV, with a 300 km range and off-road capabilities, is priced at $25,000, targeting middle-class consumers and eco-tourism operators.
Mobius has sold 150 units in Kenya and Tanzania, employing 300 workers in its Nairobi plant. “We’re building vehicles for Africa’s future,” said CEO Joel Jackson.
Mobius plans to introduce an electric pickup truck in 2026 for agricultural businesses, though high production costs and limited charging infrastructure outside urban areas pose challenges.
9. Electric Mobility Solutions
Electric Mobility Solutions (EMS), founded in 2020 in South Africa, is developing electric scooters and light delivery vehicles for urban markets.
Their scooters, offering a 70 km range, are priced at $1,500, while their delivery vans, with a 120 km range, cater to small businesses. EMS has sold 800 scooters and 100 vans in Cape Town and Johannesburg, reducing emissions by 1,200 tons annually.
“We’re making clean transport accessible to all,” said founder Thandiwe Mbatha. EMS aims to expand into Namibia and Botswana by 2027, targeting 3,000 units sold annually, though competition from global brands remains a hurdle.
10. EcoRide
EcoRide, launched in 2023 in Ghana, is producing electric tricycles (tuk-tuks) for urban and rural transport. Priced at $2,000 with a 90 km range, EcoRide’s tricycles are supported by solar-powered charging stations.
The company has deployed 500 tricycles in Accra and Kumasi, saving 800 tons of CO2 annually. “We’re bridging the urban-rural mobility gap,” said CEO Kwame Asante.
EcoRide plans to scale to 2,000 tricycles by 2026 and explore export opportunities in Liberia and Sierra Leone, though limited funding and technical expertise for maintenance are challenges.
With increased government support, investment in charging infrastructure, and strategic partnerships, these manufacturers are poised to shape a greener, more connected future for Africa.
