Africa's electric motorcycle boom stalls without battery swapping networks
Electric motorcycles are becoming a common sight in African cities, where they serve as taxis and delivery vehicles. Yet, despite their growing popularity, only one major company has set up a battery swapping network on the continent. This gap exists even though Africa holds vast reserves of the raw materials needed for battery production.
Spiro currently runs the only known battery swapping system for electric motorcycles in Africa. Riders can quickly exchange drained batteries for fully charged ones, saving time and avoiding long charging waits. The model suits African markets, where charging stations are scarce, vehicles are used intensively, and cost matters.
A shift to electric two-wheelers could bring fast economic and environmental gains. International lenders see these systems as ways to create jobs and cut emissions. The growth of swapping networks might also boost local industries, from assembling vehicles to servicing batteries.
Africa already has large deposits of cobalt, lithium, manganese, and graphite—key materials for battery production. But so far, no other African country has launched or announced plans for similar battery swapping networks. No other major companies or backers have stepped forward to develop the technology either.
The lack of battery swapping infrastructure leaves a gap in Africa's electric transport push. Spiro's system shows the model works, but wider adoption would need more investment and local support. With the right resources, such networks could help electrify transport while tapping into Africa's mineral wealth.
