Sylvia Duruson
Spiro, a leading African electric vehicle (EV) company, has officially launched its operations in Ogun State, Nigeria. This strategic move aims to revolutionize transportation in Africa’s largest economy while addressing environmental concerns and economic challenges faced by citizens.
The grand launch ceremony took place at the Arcade Ground of the Ogun State Governor’s Office in Abeokuta. Notable attendees included Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, and Transportation Minister Senator Said Alkali, along with other government officials, traditional rulers, and industry leaders.
Spiro’s expansion into Nigeria marks a significant milestone in the country’s electric mobility sector. The company has already deployed over 17,000 electric motorbikes across sub-Saharan Africa and plans to establish its presence in up to eight major Nigerian provinces, including Abeokuta, Ibadan, Lagos, and Abuja.
Electric bikes play a crucial role in promoting sustainable transportation by offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional vehicles. This initiative comes at a critical time, as greenhouse gas emissions from transportation in Africa are growing at an alarming rate of 7% annually. Air pollution, the second-biggest killer on the continent, claims approximately 1.1 million lives prematurely each year.
At the core of Spiro’s model is its innovative battery-swapping technology. This system allows riders to quickly exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones at swapping stations, eliminating long wait times associated with traditional charging methods. The pilot phase in Abeokuta includes three battery swap stations located at MKO Abiola Stadium, Pansheke Skating Ground, and Oke Sokori. Each station can charge 24 batteries simultaneously, totaling 72 batteries across all three locations.
To support its expansion, Spiro has formed strategic partnerships with companies like Max, Dot, and Onocon. These collaborations aim to accelerate the growth of Spiro’s charging network, making EVs a more viable option for a broader population and contributing to a substantial reduction in carbon emissions.
Kaushik Burman, CEO of Spiro, expressed the company’s ambitious goals: “We’ll deploy a significant number of bikes in our first year in Nigeria, enabling a lifestyle shift towards cleaner, more sustainable transportation options. Our goal is to electrify mobility across Africa, and Nigeria, as Africa’s economic powerhouse, represents an important step on that journey.”
Spiro’s commitment to innovation and sustainability is further evidenced by its recent $50 million debt facility agreement with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank). These funds will be used to expand the company’s network of automated swap stations, introduce new electric bike models, and improve accessibility to green mobility solutions.
The initiative has garnered strong support from local governments, with Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State highlighting the multiple benefits of electric bikes. He stated, “Spiro’s electric bikes promise a future of reduced environmental impact, economic savings, and improved community health. We’re proud to collaborate on this sustainable venture, setting a green standard for transportation in Nigeria.”
Spiro’s presence is already established in key African markets, including Togo, Benin, Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana, and Uganda. The company’s expansion into Nigeria is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s transportation landscape, offering citizens an affordable and sustainable mobility option while addressing environmental concerns and economic challenges.
As Spiro continues to grow its operations across the continent, it is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of transportation in Africa. By providing innovative, eco-friendly solutions, the company is not only transforming the mobility sector but also contributing to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for African communities.
