Africa's EV sector heats up: GOGO's competitive edge

Africa's electric vehicle market is experiencing significant growth, with key players like GOGO Electric leading the charge towards a sustainable and accessible future. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Janos Bisasso, Chief Operations Officer at GOGO Electric, shared insights into the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the industry on the continent. One of the key trends highlighted by Bisasso is the focus on free trade, labor exchange, and knowledge transfer to foster economic development within Africa. He emphasized the importance of initiatives that support intra-African trade, enabling countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda to strengthen their economies through collaboration. GOGO Electric aims to contribute to this vision by increasing the adoption of electric vehicles, with a target of 10% of all new vehicle registrations being electric within the next three to five years. A major challenge facing the industry, according to Bisasso, is access to financing for both consumers and businesses. GOGO Electric addresses this obstacle by offering asset financing for its electric motorcycles, allowing riders to repay the cost over a period of six to 24 months. This approach not only promotes the adoption of electric vehicles but also provides long-term cost savings for users, thanks to reduced fuel and maintenance expenses. In addition to financial considerations, Bisasso highlighted the importance of organizational development and operational efficiency as GOGO Electric scales its business. With a rapid growth rate over the past two years, the company faces the challenge of expanding its workforce while maintaining effective systems and processes to support this growth. Bisasso emphasized the need for a holistic approach to organizational management, encompassing policies, training, and ongoing support for employees. Looking ahead, GOGO Electric is focused on enhancing its market penetration within the East African region before expanding to neighboring countries like Kenya and Tanzania. The company currently serves approximately 1,900 clients and produces 60 motorcycles per week, with plans to increase its charging station network to support a growing fleet of electric vehicles. Collaborative projects in Kenya and Tanzania have laid the groundwork for future expansion, as GOGO Electric positions itself as a leader in Africa's evolving green energy landscape. As Africa's EV sector continues to evolve, key takeaways from GOGO Electric's journey include the importance of local capacity building, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability and accessibility. By leveraging both local talent and international expertise, GOGO Electric is driving innovation and positive change within the region's transportation industry.