Spiro Launches In Cameroon & Tanzania

---

---

Spiro operates the largest battery swapping infrastructure network for electric motorcycles in Africa, and now has a presence in 8 countries.

Motorcycles are a really big deal in a lot of African countries, with most of them deployed as taxis. Close to 30 million motorcycles on the continent are used in this motorcycle taxi industry. With almost 99% of them still being internal combustion engine motorcycles, there is a huge opportunity and a large addressable market for electrification. The move towards electric vehicles in Africa, especially in this electric motorcycle sector, has mainly been driven by the private sector by small startup companies.

Most of the developments in Africa’s electric motorcycle sector have been concentrated along what is now known as the “boda belt.” The boda belt, a term coined by Tom Courtright, is a stretch of countries on the African map where motorcycle taxis have been prominent over the years. This belt stretches from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to the outskirts of Dakar, Senegal. There is also significant activity in North African countries such as Morocco, where smaller scooters are used mainly for personal transportation unlike in East Africa and West Africa, where most of the activity is for commercial transport purposes.

The importance of accelerating the transition to electric motorcycles along this belt and decarbonising transport in general is gaining more attention. Electric two-wheelers clean up the air and save drivers on average 45% a year on fuel and maintenance, improving lives and livelihoods — and driving entrepreneurship and social mobility. The unit economics will be a key driver in the quest to drive adoption. As more electric motorcycles hit the road now, confidence in in electric motorcycles in these markets is growing. With several companies in the electric motorcycle space now moving from early commercialisation of their products to full commercial operations at decent scale, there is now a lot of activity along this boda belt.

Just last week, we got a great example of just how much progress has been made along this boda belt. A couple of years ago, we used to get excited to get news of even the smallest launch event in any country, and now, last Friday, we saw a company launch operations in two countries on the same day! How cool is that?

Spiro launched operations in Tanzania and Cameroon last week, bringing the total number of countries in which it operates battery swapping infrastructure to 8 countries in Africa. Spiro says it intends to transform the African economies through substitution of expensive, imported fossil fuel–based transportation into affordable and accessible electric mobility solutions locally made in Africa, by Africans, for Africa & the world. This far, Spiro says its bikes have achieved over half a billion kilometers of CO2-free travel and crossed 20 million battery swaps. Spiro now operates over 600 battery swapping stations with more than 30,000 motorbikes in circulation.

Spiro says the Tanzania launch brings eco-friendly electric two-wheelers to address urban transport challenges and reduce carbon emissions. This launch forms part of the company’s broader growth strategy across Africa, as it continues to scale mobility solutions in fast-growing markets. As part of its localisation strategy and its commitment to a Made-in-Africa approach, Spiro plans to establish or partner in assembly facilities within Tanzania. This initiative aims to create employment opportunities, reduce reliance on imports, and lower the overall cost of vehicle ownership for local riders and entrepreneurs.

“To support local economies, Spiro plans to establish or partner with local assembly facilities in Tanzania. This initiative will drive job creation, reduce reliance on imports, and lower vehicle costs, making sustainable transport more accessible,” said Kshitij Sharma, Managing Director, Kenya and Tanzania.

Spiro has already deployed more than ten battery swapping stations within Tanzania, with the aim of setting up a large network of swapping stations in Tanzania. In addition to its focus on technology and infrastructure, Spiro maintains a strong commitment to local engagement. The company will introduce assets financed by banks and a range of asset financiers, progressive ownership pathways, and structured training programmes to support youth and small-scale entrepreneurs entering the e-mobility sector.

“Spiro offers the most affordable bike and battery swapping network in Africa, with costs lower than gas-powered bikes. Our commitment is to provide accessible, eco-friendly transportation that transforms urban mobility and supports economic growth across the continent,” Kaushik Burman, CEO of Spiro, added.

Spiro adds that the launch aligns with its broader roadmap to support the development of an inclusive and sustainable transport ecosystem. The company is working to improve access by supporting gender-focused programmes that encourage the participation of women as riders and mechanics, and by offering pathways that promote wider engagement across the mobility sector.

Spiro adds that to support adoption at scale, Spiro is open to strategic collaborations with Tanzanian government bodies, energy regulators like the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) and Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO), ride-hailing platforms, and fintech partners. These partnerships aim to expand infrastructure, facilitate digital payments, and accelerate the uptake of clean mobility solutions. Tanzania represents a high-growth e-mobility market, driven by rapid urban expansion and increasing demand for affordable, sustainable transport options. Tanzania also has increasing hydroelectric power generation to increase the share of renewables in its energy mix, anchored by the 2,115 MW Julius Nyerere Dam.

On to the second market Spiro launched in last week. Spiro officially launched its operations in Cameroon today during a high-level ceremony held at Hôtel SAWA in Douala, presided over by His Excellency the Governor of the Littoral Region, Samuel Ivaha Diboua, and attended by key government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and partners. Spiro says the company is committed to actively supporting Cameroon’s energy transition and improving urban living conditions through clean, accessible, and innovative transportation solutions. The company aims to contribute to the government’s sustainable development objectives, combat urban pollution, and create new economic opportunities for young people.

“The launch of Spiro Cameroon is more than just opening a new office; it’s a statement of commitment to the people of Cameroon and their environment. We aspire to make Cameroon a regional model in green mobility,” Rahul Gaur, Managing Director of Spiro West Africa and Cameroon, said.

Beyond deploying electric vehicles and modern charging solutions, Spiro plans to create several hundred direct and indirect jobs while fostering strong partnerships with local communities, institutions, and private sector stakeholders.

“We urge the government to prioritize electric mobility in national policy — through tax incentives, infrastructure support, and public-private partnerships. Together, we can position Cameroon as a regional leader in clean transport, improve air quality in our cities, and offer real cost savings to riders,” Kaushik Burman, CEO of Spiro, said.

Spiro adds that the launch signals the beginning of a new chapter for sustainable mobility in Cameroon and across Central Africa.

Images courtesy of Spiro