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"electric" × Middle East & Africa × EV: 40 articles
M-KOPA Kenya Secures $30M in Debt Financing for E-Motorbikes
M-KOPA Kenya Mobility has secured USD 30 million in debt financing to fund purchases of electric motorbikes. According to WeeTracker, the funding is aimed at accelerating e-motorbike adoption across Africa as everyday transport for ordinary riders.
WeeTracker · 7/23/2026
M-KOPA's Kenya Unit Secures $30 Million in Debt Financing for Electric Motorcycles
Fintech company M-KOPA's mobility division in Kenya has secured $30 million in debt financing to expand loans for electric motorcycle purchases, a move that gives financial backing to the growing adoption of electric two-wheelers across Africa.
WeeTracker · 7/22/2026
South Africa's 65,000 Delivery Riders and Uber's Rand 5 Billion Bet on Electric
South Africa's department of trade, industry & competition said it remains 'engaged with potential investors, especially in relation to electric bikes,' as it works toward a local EV production ecosystem. As of January 2026 there were an estimated 65,000 delivery motorcycles on South African roads, with Takealot running about 17,000 drivers and Shoprite subsidiary Pingo running roughly 10,000. Uber has committed R5 billion to South Africa's mobility ecosystem and estimates electric motorcycles could create 300,000 earning opportunities over 10 years; its sub-Saharan Africa GM said 'Uber Moto could become a core engine for transportation and e-hailing in South Africa over the next decade.'
TimesLIVE · 7/18/2026
South Africa's Booming Last-Mile Delivery Sector Drives Electric Motorcycle Adoption
South Africa's rapidly growing last-mile delivery sector is driving the adoption of electric motorcycles. Fixed-distance delivery routes minimize the impact of EVs' limited range, helping fuel the local electric motorcycle market's takeoff.
Business Day · 7/18/2026
Kenya's Roam Opens Its First EV Bike Showroom in Nairobi — Accelerating Africa's Electrification
Kenyan electric mobility company Roam has teamed up with Ridewell to open its first showroom in Nairobi. The aim is to expand sales of its electric motorcycles, with its flagship Roam Air on display. The showroom also handles batteries, dedicated spare parts and rider gear such as helmets. It's located along Thika Superhighway, across from the Safari Park Hotel.
The Kenyan Wall Street · 7/15/2026
Electric Two-Wheelers Gain Ground in Africa, Driven by Nigeria's Battery-Swap Networks and Local Manufacturing
Electric two-wheelers are quietly spreading across Africa. In Nigeria, ride-hailing company MAX (Metro Africa Xpress) is rolling out electric motorcycles alongside battery-swap infrastructure, while Syltech is building electric bikes assembled locally. The shift toward electrification is being driven by practical, everyday demand.
The Pack (EV) · 7/15/2026
Ride-Hailing Firm Bolt to Lease 5,000 Electric Motorcycles in East Africa
Ride-hailing service Bolt Riders is reportedly set to lease 5,000 electric motorcycles from East African EV makers Roam and Ampersand. Electrification of the two-wheelers underpinning ride-hailing and delivery is steadily spreading across Africa.
ZA Bikers · 7/15/2026
Popular Rapper Becomes New Face of Kenya's Electric Motorcycle Push
In Kenya's ongoing push to adopt electric boda boda (commercial motorcycles), well-known rapper Khaligraph Jones has been brought on as a new ambassador-like figure. Putting a culturally influential artist at the forefront aims to spread the electrification movement — centered on cutting fuel costs and emissions — to younger generations and riders.
The Standard (Kenya) · 7/14/2026
Chinese Capital Fuels Africa's Electric Motorcycle Boom With Major Investment in Spiro
According to the South China Morning Post, Chinese investors are pouring money into Africa's multi-billion-dollar electric motorcycle market, accelerating the shift from gasoline to electric. Shanghai-based NewTrails Capital contributed $55 million of a $270 million raise for Spiro, Africa's largest electric motorcycle company.
South China Morning Post · 7/14/2026
Chinese Capital Accelerates E-Bike Adoption in Africa, Backing Battery Swapping and Local Assembly
Chinese investors are pouring money into Africa's multi-billion-dollar motorcycle market, accelerating the shift from gasoline to electric. They are supplying parts and batteries for local assembly and supporting infrastructure such as battery-swap networks. For drivers, the biggest draw is lower fuel and maintenance costs.
The China-Global South Project · 7/13/2026
Chinese Capital Accelerates E-Bike Adoption in Africa, Emerges as Key Player in a Multi-Billion-Dollar Market
Hong Kong's South China Morning Post reports that Chinese investors are pouring money and technology into Africa's expanding electric two-wheeler (e-bike) market, fueling its growth. In a market ballooning into the billions of dollars, Chinese companies are increasingly driving local electrification. In Africa, where gasoline motorcycles have long been an everyday necessity, the shift toward electric is now accelerating rapidly.
South China Morning Post · 7/12/2026
Chinese Capital Accelerates Africa's Electric Motorcycle Boom Toward a Multi-Billion-Dollar Market
Chinese investors are pouring money into Africa's electric motorcycle market one after another, fueling a boom expected to grow into a multi-billion-dollar industry. The demand to electrify commercial motorcycles like boda bodas is combining with the cost competitiveness of Chinese-made batteries and vehicles, rapidly building out a local ecosystem that includes charging and battery-swap infrastructure.
South China Morning Post · 7/12/2026
SPIRO Powers Africa's Motorcycle Electrification With 100,000 Daily Battery Swaps
SPIRO, which operates electric motorcycles and a battery-swap network across Africa, handles around 100,000 battery swaps a day and is growing at roughly 15% per month. Cumulative swaps have surpassed 30 million, with more than 2,500 swap stations and over 100,000 electric motorcycles deployed.
EVreporter · 7/9/2026
Egypt Unveils Domestically Built Electric Two-Wheeler "Kader," Priced at About $1,800, Aimed at Replacing Tuk-Tuks
Egypt's Arab Organisation for Industrialization (AOI) has unveiled a domestically produced electric two-wheeler called Kader. Priced at about $1,806, it offers a range of roughly 60km per charge, a top speed of 70km/h, and a charging time of 3-6 hours. The government is pushing to replace older tuk-tuks (three-wheeled taxis) with electric vehicles, positioning Kader as an affordable transportation option to fill that role.
Egypt Transport Monitor · 7/9/2026
Roam Launches Electric Motorcycle 'Air Gen 3' in Kenya: 80% Charge in 40 Minutes, 100,000km Warranty
Kenya's Roam has launched its new electric motorcycle, the 'Roam Air Gen 3'. Its redesigned 2.2kWh battery charges from 20% to 80% in under 40 minutes, offers up to 80km of range, and comes with a 100,000km warranty. It features IP67 water resistance and built-in GPS tracking, and is aimed at the commercial boda boda (motorcycle taxi) market, supporting loads of up to 250kg.
thepack.news · 7/9/2026
Africa's Electric Motorcycle Push Enters New Phase: Spiro Runs 80,000 Bikes Across 6 Countries, Raises $230M Total
Electric motorcycle adoption in Africa is entering a new phase. Spiro operates 80,000 electric motorcycles across six African countries including Benin and Kenya, running 2,500 battery-swap stations. Cumulative funding raised since 2022 has surpassed $230 million, as battery-swap models increasingly establish themselves as a practical solution.
CleanTechnica · 7/6/2026
Africa's Spiro Bets $270 Million on Electric Motorcycles, Expands Battery-Swap Network Across 7 Markets
African electric two-wheeler leader Spiro has closed a $270 million funding round. The company operates across seven markets — Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Benin, Togo, Cameroon, and Nigeria — and has already deployed more than 100,000 electric motorcycles and over 2,500 battery-swap stations.
Rio Times · 7/5/2026
African Electric Motorcycles Can Be Built on "Local Manufacturing Plus Solar," Argues New Analysis
An analysis drawing attention argues that the future of electric two-wheelers in Africa can be built on local manufacturing paired with solar-powered charging — assembling vehicles locally rather than relying on imports, and charging them using the region's abundant sunlight. It paints a picture of electric mobility that's self-sufficient on both the energy and industrial fronts.
The Eastleigh Voice · 7/4/2026
Rwanda Becomes First African Country to Mandate Electric Motorcycle Battery Interoperability
Rwanda has become the first African country to mandate battery interoperability for electric motorcycles. The regulation standardizes batteries across different operators so they can be swapped interchangeably — a move with the potential to significantly accelerate infrastructure development in Africa, where battery-swap electric motorcycles are rapidly expanding.
Zag Daily · 7/3/2026
Kenya's Electric Motorcycles Surge on Battery Swapping — 10% of New Sales, Fuel Costs Cut by Up to Roughly 75%
Electric motorcycles are surging in Kenya, driven by battery-as-a-service (BaaS) swapping. Electric models' share of new registrations grew from 0.5% in 2021 to 7.1% in 2024, reaching 10% in the first half of 2025. Boda boda riders, who have spent as much as 60% of their income on fuel, are cutting daily costs sharply through swaps costing about 290 shillings each.
中東アフリカ 世界ニュース · 7/2/2026
Electric Motorcycle Interest Rebounds in Kenya as Battery-Swap Model Gains Ground
The spread of battery-swap systems is reviving interest in electric motorcycles in Kenya. Reports say quick, gas-station-like battery swaps are improving the practicality of electric two-wheelers used as everyday transport.
Corporate Knights · 7/2/2026
Rising Fuel Costs and Supply Concerns Push Pakistan Toward Electric Motorcycles
Rising fuel costs and concerns over supply shortages are driving the shift toward electric motorcycles in Pakistan. Analysts point to the pressure of gasoline prices as accelerating electrification in a country where motorcycles are an everyday necessity.
Reuters · 7/1/2026
RFN Launches Electric Off-Road Motorcycle Series in South Africa
RFN has launched a series of electric off-road motorcycles in South Africa. The move signals that electric two-wheelers are beginning to make a serious entrance into the African market, symbolizing the spread of electrification into the off-road segment.
Business Day · 6/30/2026
Electric Off-Road Brand RFN Lands in South Africa With a Wide Range
Electric off-road motorcycle brand RFN has entered the South African market with a lineup spanning junior models to high-performance machines, priced from R8,500 to R93,400. The bikes were unveiled to coincide with the MXGP round, and a dedicated practice facility has also been built.
Business Day · 6/30/2026
Electric Motorcycle Boom Takes Hold in Africa as 'Green Mobility' Cooperation With China Accelerates
Electric motorcycles are spreading rapidly across Africa, and cooperation with China is entering a new phase. Amid soaring fuel prices, affordable electric motorcycles with low running costs are becoming the vehicle of choice for delivery riders and daily transport. The expansion of Chinese manufacturers is converging with local demand to drive a growing wave of green mobility.
Global Times · 6/25/2026
New Electric Motorcycle Arrives in South Africa, Targeting Fleet Demand
A new electric motorcycle has arrived in South Africa. ZA Bikers notes that electric vehicles have become an established presence, carrying particular significance for fleet operations such as delivery services. Lower running and maintenance costs, along with the ability to keep pace with technology updates, are cited as key advantages driving adoption among businesses.
ZA Bikers · 6/25/2026
Africa's Spiro Raises $270 Million in China-Led Funding Round
African electric two-wheeler company Spiro has closed a $270 million funding round led by Chinese investment. The move is drawing attention as an effort to expand electric two-wheeler infrastructure across the African continent.
African Business · 6/25/2026
Electric Motorcycles Rapidly Expand Across Africa as 'Green Mobility' Partnerships With Chinese Capital Accelerate
Electric motorcycle adoption is rapidly accelerating across African countries, fueling a new wave of partnerships with Chinese companies. High fuel costs and unstable gasoline supply are driving demand for electric bikes used in urban delivery and daily transport. While Western investors remain cautious, Chinese growth capital is flowing aggressively into this market.
Global Times · 6/25/2026
Electric Motorcycle Firm Spiro Raises Additional $55 Million to Expand Across Africa
Spiro, an electric motorcycle operator in Africa, has raised an additional $55 million to fuel its expansion. The move signals substantial capital flowing into Africa's rapidly growing electric motorcycle market.
Business News Nigeria · 6/22/2026
Africa's Electric Motorcycle Firm Spiro Closes $270M Round, With China's NewTrails Investing $55M
Spiro, which operates electric motorcycles and battery-swap networks across Africa, closed a funding round totaling $270 million on June 22, including a $55 million investment from Shanghai/Shenzhen-based NewTrails Capital. Total funding raised to date has reached about $557 million. The company operates more than 100,000 EVs and 2,500 battery-swap stations across seven countries including Kenya and Rwanda. The funds will go toward expanding the swap network and strengthening local production.
Tech.africa · 6/22/2026
Africa's Spiro Raises $55 Million More for Electric Motorcycles, Bringing Total Funding to $270 Million
NewTrails Capital has invested $55 million in Spiro, one of Africa's largest electric motorcycle and battery-swap companies, bringing the latest funding round to a close at $270 million total. Spiro operates in seven markets, running a fleet of more than 100,000 electric motorcycles and over 2,500 battery-swap stations.
ZA Bikers · 6/22/2026
Middle East Tensions Push Up Fuel Prices, Further Accelerating Electric Motorcycle Demand in Kenya
Rising fuel prices driven by tensions in the Middle East are further accelerating the adoption of electric motorcycles in Kenya. Soaring gasoline costs are providing an economic boost toward electrification for commercial riders. The pattern makes clear how geopolitical risk, by driving up daily fuel costs, is pushing riders toward electric two-wheelers for their lower running costs.
Citizen Digital · 6/22/2026
UAE Startup E DADDY Unveils Dubai-Developed Electric Motorcycle Line, the X7 Series
UAE-based electric mobility startup E DADDY has officially unveiled its new electric motorcycle line, the X7 Series, developed in Dubai, according to THE PACK. Positioned as a product with global market ambitions, it marks the debut of an electric two-wheeler brand out of the Middle East — a sign of new players entering electrification from emerging regions.
THE PACK · 6/21/2026
Kenya's Electric Motorcycle Ecosystem Grows as Local Firms Specialize and Partner With Global Players
As Kenya's electric motorcycle (boda boda) ecosystem continues to grow, local startups are increasingly specializing by use case and forging notable partnerships with global majors. It's a sign that the electrification of motorcycles — the backbone of urban transport across Africa — is entering a more mature phase, with local companies carving out distinct roles.
CleanTechnica · 6/20/2026
Kenya's Electric Two-Wheeler Ecosystem Expands as Local Firms Deepen Ties With Global Players
Kenya's electric two-wheeler ecosystem is expanding, with local companies specializing further and forming partnerships with global players. ARC Ride has teamed up with the world's largest electric two-wheeler maker, China's Yadea, to launch its Kifa e-bike running on ARC's batteries. Powerhive and Kibo have combined a battery-swap network to launch Kibo Spark. According to industry body EMAK, more than 56 companies are now active in Kenya's e-mobility sector.
CleanTechnica · 6/20/2026
Ampersand and Other African Players Compete as Electric Mobility Enters a Battle of Business Models
Africa's electric mobility market has moved past a Spiro-dominated landscape into a stage of competition among multiple players. Ampersand, founded in Rwanda in 2016, has expanded into Kenya and raised funding from investors including British International Investment (BII). Different players are now racing to prove out different business models toward profitability.
Ecofin Agency · 6/20/2026
Electric Motorcycles Surge in Kenya, Topping 15% of New Sales in 2025 as Swap Networks Mature
The adoption of electric motorcycles is accelerating in Kenya. Of motorcycles registered in 2025, roughly 25,277 were electric, accounting for 15.3% of new sales. Market leader Spiro has more than 20,000 units on the road and operates over 200 battery-swap stations. Roam has also launched a fast-charging network, marking a new stage for the market.
Ethical Business Africa · 6/20/2026
Egypt Localizes Electric Motorcycle Production, Introduces $1,800 'Kader'
As electrification accelerates across Africa's two-wheeler market, Egypt is aggressively promoting domestic EV production under its national automotive manufacturing program. It has already launched a low-cost, locally made electric motorcycle called the Kader, priced at around $1,800. Affordable domestic models like this are further driving adoption of electric two-wheelers.
ZA Bikers · 6/17/2026
Africa's Electric Motorcycle Firm Spiro Raises $215 Million in One of the Continent's Largest Investments
Spiro, one of Africa's largest electric motorcycle and battery-swap operators, has raised $215 million, marking one of the largest investments ever made in an African mobility startup. The company operates in multiple countries including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Nigeria, running more than 80,000 electric motorcycles and over 2,500 swap stations.
BusinessTech Africa · 6/16/2026
UAE-Built Electric Motorcycle Unveiled: 155km/h Top Speed, 300km Range, Developed at Sharjah Tech Hub
An electric motorcycle designed and developed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been unveiled. It claims a top speed of 155km/h and a range of 300km on a single charge, with a full charge in just 30 minutes using fast charging. The homegrown project was developed at Sharjah's SRTIP tech hub by a mechanical engineer leading a team of five Emirati staff.
Gulf News · 6/15/2026