GOGO, in collaboration with Watu, have hit a monumental milestone with the sale of their 1,000th electric boda boda in Uganda. GOGO, founded in 2019 as Bodawerk LTD, has been a key player in promoting sustainable transportation solutions in East Africa.
This partnership is focused on the sale of electric boda bodas, specifically designed to meet the unique needs of Ugandan riders. The core motivation behind it is to address the specific challenges faced by the boda boda market in Uganda.
READ ABOUT: BODAWERK rebrands to GOGO, partners with Watu
These electric two-wheelers boast features such as a 120 km range on a single charge and an innovative swappable battery system, addressing concerns of range anxiety and ensuring minimal downtime for riders.
Jakob Hornbach, CEO of GOGO, emphasizes the importance of creating durable, long-range bikes with swappable batteries. This strategic approach aims to eliminate concerns related to range limitations and charging times, thereby fostering a smooth transition to electric vehicles in Uganda.
Hornbach highlights the commitment to creating an extensive network of battery swap stations, exceeding 66 locations across major cities. This network expansion, including key areas like Kampala, Jinja, Iganga, Luwero, and Mukono, ensures that riders can easily keep their bikes operational for extended hours.
Walugembe, a boda boda rider using a GOGO bike, expresses his satisfaction with the vehicle’s robustness, especially on challenging terrains.
“This bike goes everywhere easily. Hills, holes, no problem. It helps me carry my customers fast and safely. It’s the best bike for work,” says Walugembe, underlining the practical benefits of GOGO’s electric boda bodas.
Fueling the EV Revolution with Financial Accessibility
The partnership with Watu, a prominent financial services provider in multiple African countries, has played a crucial role in making electric boda bodas accessible to a broader range of riders.
Watu’s innovative financing solutions, often with down payments below $100, combined with the lower operating costs of EVs, have empowered many Ugandan riders to improve their livelihoods while contributing to a cleaner environment.
Watu’s commitment to financial inclusion and community empowerment extends beyond Uganda. Over 600,000 loans for two- and three-wheelers across several African countries have impacted over 3.6 million people. This approach has not only fueled the growth of the boda boda sector in Uganda but has also fostered economic development across the continent.
A growing African EV market
The collaboration between GOGO and Watu is a shining example of the potential within the African EV market. It demonstrates how innovative, locally tailored solutions, supported by accessible financing, can drive significant economic and environmental progress.
Riders using lithium-ion batteries in their electric boda bodas save approximately 30% compared to fuel costs, leading to increased daily earnings for riders.
GOGO and Watu are committed to further expanding their reach, introducing new electric vehicle models, and exploring partnerships to advance their mission of sustainable transportation. Their ambition extends beyond Uganda, aiming to replicate this success in other African markets.
