Roam Electric’s recognition as the premier electric mobility manufacturer in Africa has solidified Kenya’s status as a frontrunner in the transition to clean energy within the transportation sector.
The company achieved an impressive overall ranking of 35 among 130 businesses across the continent, standing out as the highest-ranked among 11 Kenyan firms included in the list.
Compiled by the Financial Times and data firm Statista, the ranking assessed over 130 companies across Africa based on their compound annual growth rate (CAGR) and absolute revenue growth between 2020 and 2023. Roam posted an 86.4% CAGR and 547.8% revenue growth, solidifying its position at the forefront of Africa’s clean technology movement.
The company, which was founded in 2017, designs and manufactures electric motorcycles and buses. Recently, the company has launched Roam Hubs for charging and battery rental stations in Nairobi, Kiambu, and Machakos.
Its footprint in clean energy has been boosted by a partnership with ride-hailing platforms like Uber and Bolt to make electric motorcycles that are more accessible for boda-boda riders.
Electric vehicles (EV) are powered by electric motors instead of fossil fuels like petrol and diesel engines. They use electricity stored in a battery to run, resulting in no tailpipe emissions and a reduced carbon footprint compared to conventional vehicles.
EV adoption in Kenya is growing, although still in its early stages, with a focus on electric motorcycles and three-wheelers. The government has set a target for EVs to make up 5% of new vehicle registrations by 2025. Initiatives like the e-mobility tariff and government support for charging infrastructure are contributing to this growth.
For decades, diesel has served as the backbone of transportation in Kenya. However, as fuel costs fluctuate and environmental concerns intensify, many companies are transitioning to EVs and renewable fuels such as biodiesel, biogas, and compressed natural gas (CNG) to mitigate emissions. In April, DHL Supply Chain, in collaboration with Scani, deployed 25 new Euro 5 biodiesel-powered trucks.
Biodiesel, derived from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled cooking oil, offers a renewable and lower-emission alternative to conventional diesel. The adoption of biodiesel presents a valuable opportunity to decrease reliance on imported fossil fuels by utilizing locally sourced raw materials. This shift not only stabilizes and enhances the sustainability of fuel supply chains but also fosters new opportunities for local industries, spanning agriculture to waste management.
