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Investing in the future of African mobility
Investing in the future of African mobility: Why Boda Boda drivers are going electric
While our shift to an electric transport system is delayed by the UK government, it is aneconomic necessity in East Africa, centred around the indispensable Boda Boda motorcycle taxi driver. Energise Africa is happy to host a new bond offer from Roam Electric, directly funding the expansion of the sustainable mobility solution tailored for these entrepreneurs.The scale of the Boda Boda economy
The motorcycle taxi industry, known as Boda Boda, is a massive employer across East Africa, providing essential urban livelihoods and acting as the second-largest employer of young people in cities like Kampala.
In Kenya alone, there are around three million motorcycle taxi drivers. This vast workforce relies on their motorbikes for their income, despite high youth unemployment rates (up to 17% for those aged 18-30, and 19% in urban areas). For tens of thousands of young men in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, driving a motorcycle taxi is the only way to earn a living.
For these drivers, motorcycles are indispensable, enabling first and last-mile connectivity by navigating traffic and accessing remote locations quickly and affordably. However, reliance on diesel means these vehicles are among the highest CO₂-emitting vehicles on the market, and their operation depends heavily on imported fuel, taking a massive bite out of drivers' profits and damaging the local economy.
The financial and operational benefits of Roam Air
The electric Roam Air motorcycle creates a massive upgrade in livelihood for these Boda Boda entrepreneurs, giving them both stability and superior performance.
Financial empowerment: Doubling take-home pay.
The most compelling factor driving the electric vehicle revolution is cost savings, which translates directly to greater financial stability for riders. Kenyan motorcycle drivers typically make around $10 a day, nearly half of which is often spent on gasoline. Switching to the Roam Air can double the driver's daily take-home pay by eliminating fuel costs.
A rider like Lilian, who used to spend around 700 shillings on fuel, now spends only about 200 shillings on electricity to ride for the whole day. Roam estimates that drivers can cut their total running costs by up to 75% compared to petrol bikes. Studies and rider reports from Kenya show that the cost of charging an electric boda boda battery can be as low as approximately 1–2 Kenyan shillings per kilometre travelled, compared with roughly 6–8 shillings per kilometre for petrol-powered motorcycles under current fuel prices.
Ease of operation and maintenance
The Roam Air is specifically designed for African use, prioritising durability and low maintenance. Unlike traditional petrol bikes, the electric motorcycle is virtually maintenance-free, with no oil, spark plugs, air filter, gearbox or clutch. This massively reduces repair costs and minimises downtime for drivers, as the system relies on only one moving part: the electric motor. The design includes a portable charger that plugs into any standard outlet, offering convenience, and a dual battery system to maximise range and minimise interruption.
Economic growth and climate impact
Investing in electric mobility for Kenya also supports local economic growth and cuts reliance on foreign fossil fuel imports.
Keeping capital local
Roam's business model strengthens the regional economy by ensuring that resources previously spent on imported fuel are retained locally. Roam emphasises that its products are “made in Africa, by Africa, and for Africa”. The company operates East Africa's largest electric motorcycle assembly plant in Kenya. This local manufacturing creates employment (Roam currently has a workforce of 250 employees) and encourages new business related to battery swapping, charging stations, servicing, and maintenance.
Driving zero emissions
The transition to electric Boda Bodas offers a vital solution to cleaning up urban air quality. Conventional motorcycles are massive polluters. The Roam Air produces zero tailpipe emissions. The difference is dramatic: fossil fuel motorcycles emit approximately 27g of CO₂ per kilometre, whereas the Roam Air offers 0g of CO₂ per 10 kilometres, representing a 97% reduction in CO₂ emissions during operation. This environmental benefit is amplified because East Africa relies largely on renewable energy sources for electricity generation, making the running of the motorbikes even greener.
Your opportunity to play a part
The latest bond offer for Roam Electric is a direct impact investment opportunity, allowing investors to contribute capital that directly accelerates this clean transport transformation and targets a financial, environmental and social return. Funds raised through this bond offer will be used to deliver more electric motorcycles in Kenya, directly enabling Roam to expand its production capacity and meet growing market demand.
Your investment allows Roam to:
- Scale production and meet the rapidly increasing demand for the Roam Air.
- Empower drivers by providing life-changing financial savings and economic opportunity to thousands of hard-working entrepreneurs.
- Accelerate the green transport transition by funding the replacement of high-polluting diesel engines with zero-emission alternatives, contributing to positive global climate action.