Dr. Alexander Reynolds
Patrick Sakwa, a bike-taxi driver in Nairobi, has seen a significant increase in his daily income since switching to an electric bike. This switch was made possible by Ampersand, Rwanda’s largest electric vehicle (EV) maker, which entered the Kenyan market in December. While Sakwa’s story highlights the benefits of electric bikes, Ampersand is focused on replicating its success in Rwanda and becoming a strong competitor in Kenya’s EV market.
Ampersand’s electric bikes currently make up around 70% of all registered electric motorcycle taxis in Rwanda. The company’s success in Rwanda can be attributed to the government’s support, the availability of affordable financing plans, and the growing market demand. Now, Ampersand is setting its sights on Kenya, viewing it as a key market for future growth.
According to Emmanuel Hakizimana, Ampersand’s co-founder and country manager for Rwanda, Nairobi alone presents a market equivalent to the entire country of Rwanda. Additionally, Kenya is known as an investment hub, with big investors based in Nairobi. Ampersand is confident that their Nairobi business will surpass their operations in Rwanda within the next two years. The company is also exploring expansion opportunities in Uganda and Tanzania.
Ampersand’s journey began in 2016 as an EV infrastructure company, building a network of battery-swap stations in Kigali. In 2018, they started manufacturing electric bikes and introduced a financing plan that allowed customers to purchase their bikes over 24 monthly installments. To date, Ampersand has sold over 2,200 bikes in Rwanda.
While Rwanda’s supportive financing plans have contributed to Ampersand’s success, the company has also received significant investments from both African and international backers, including the Rwandan Green Fund and Total Energy Ventures. This support has allowed Ampersand to expand its operations and focus on bringing their electric bikes to Kenya.
However, competing in the Kenyan market won’t be without challenges. Kenya has a much larger motorcycle market, with over 2 million motorcycles and an annual market growth of 250,000. The success of Ampersand and other EV companies in Kenya will depend on their business models and ability to meet the demands of the market.
In their expansion efforts, Ampersand has already seen success in Nairobi, having sold 655 electric bikes since December. The company offers various purchasing options, either selling bikes outright or partnering with financial institutions to provide customers with affordable payment plans.
Ampersand’s network of battery-swap stations in Nairobi allows EV owners to quickly change their batteries and continue their journeys. This infrastructure advantage, built on the success of their operations in Rwanda, positions Ampersand favorably in Kenya’s competitive EV market.
As the adoption of EVs for motorcycle taxis continues to grow, industry experts recognize the importance of battery-swapping networks. Ampersand’s investment in swapping stations is seen as a long-term advantage that will help them stay ahead of the competition.
With their experience in Rwanda, Ampersand is confident that their focus on pricing and customer satisfaction will help them succeed in Kenya’s EV market. As electric bikes become a more attractive option for motorcycle taxis, Ampersand aims to drive the growth of sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation in the country.
Ampersand, the largest electric vehicle (EV) maker in Rwanda, has entered the Kenyan market with a focus on becoming a strong competitor in Kenya’s EV market. The company has seen significant success in Rwanda, where their electric bikes make up around 70% of all registered electric motorcycle taxis. This success can be attributed to the government’s support, affordable financing plans, and growing market demand.
Kenya is seen as a key market for Ampersand’s future growth, with Nairobi alone presenting a market equivalent to the entire country of Rwanda. The country is known as an investment hub, with big investors based in Nairobi. Ampersand is confident that their Nairobi business will surpass their operations in Rwanda within the next two years. The company also has plans to expand to Uganda and Tanzania.
Ampersand began as an EV infrastructure company in 2016, building a network of battery-swap stations in Kigali. In 2018, they started manufacturing electric bikes and introduced a financing plan that allowed customers to purchase their bikes over 24 monthly installments. To date, Ampersand has sold over 2,200 bikes in Rwanda.
While supportive financing plans and investments have contributed to Ampersand’s success, competing in the Kenyan market will pose challenges. Kenya has a much larger motorcycle market, with over 2 million motorcycles and an annual market growth of 250,000. The success of Ampersand and other EV companies in Kenya will depend on their business models and ability to meet the demands of the market.
In their expansion efforts, Ampersand has already sold 655 electric bikes in Nairobi since December. The company offers various purchasing options, either selling bikes outright or partnering with financial institutions to provide customers with affordable payment plans.
Ampersand’s network of battery-swap stations in Nairobi is another advantage, allowing EV owners to quickly change their batteries and continue their journeys. This infrastructure advantage, built on the success of their operations in Rwanda, positions Ampersand favorably in Kenya’s competitive EV market.
Industry experts recognize the importance of battery-swapping networks as the adoption of EVs for motorcycle taxis continues to grow. Ampersand’s investment in swapping stations is seen as a long-term advantage that will help them stay ahead of the competition.
With their experience in Rwanda, Ampersand is confident that their focus on pricing and customer satisfaction will help them succeed in Kenya’s EV market. The company aims to drive the growth of sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation in the country as electric bikes become a more attractive option for motorcycle taxis.
For more information on Ampersand and their electric bikes, you can visit their official website at www.ampersand.c.
