Zembo Electric Motorcycles has announced the appointment of James Obarowski as co-founder and President. This transition not only marks a significant leadership change but also highlights Zembo’s commitment to revolutionizing e-mobility in Uganda and beyond.
Effective December 31, 2024, James Obarowski stepped into his new role after serving as the CEO of Zembo Uganda. He succeeds founder Etienne Saint-Sernin, who will remain involved as a board member. Obarowski’s impressive background includes 18 years of leadership across various African nations, where he has consistently driven innovation and operational excellence.
Under his guidance, Zembo Uganda experienced remarkable growth, particularly with the launch of the Thunder motorcycle, which contributed to a staggering 440% year-on-year increase in business performance.
“I am honored to take the helm of Zembo at such a pivotal moment in its mission to revolutionize transportation across Africa,” Obarowski stated. His vision aligns seamlessly with Zembo’s goal of providing comprehensive electric mobility solutions tailored for two-wheel businesses, particularly benefiting motorcycle taxi drivers, known locally as boda-boda drivers.
The impact of electric motorcycles
Zembo was established in 2018 with a mission to introduce electric motorcycles to Uganda. The company has since become a leader in the e-mobility space, providing affordable electric motorcycles through a rent-to-own model.
This innovative approach not only empowers low-income drivers but also significantly enhances their profitability—data suggests that riders can see up to a 60% increase in earnings compared to traditional petrol motorcycles after two years of using Zembo’s electric models.
Moreover, Zembo’s electric motorcycles are designed with sustainability in mind. They boast a remarkable reduction in CO2 emissions—up to 97%—and contribute to lower noise pollution levels. The company’s battery swap service allows riders to exchange depleted batteries at one of their 27 solar-hybrid charging stations across Kampala, ensuring uninterrupted service and convenience.
Leadership Transition at Zembo
The leadership transition at Zembo has been met with optimism from both the board of directors and Saint-Sernin himself.
“James is the right leader to take Zembo to the next level,” Saint-Sernin remarked, emphasizing Obarowski’s dynamic leadership style and extensive expertise in scaling operations across multiple countries. The board echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for Saint-Sernin’s foundational role while welcoming Obarowski’s visionary approach.
This change comes at a crucial time as Zembo seeks to expand its reach beyond Kampala into other regions of Uganda and potentially into neighboring countries. With plans for further innovation in electric mobility solutions, the company aims to solidify its position as a leading provider of sustainable transportation options.
Zembo’s impact extends beyond just providing electric motorcycles; it actively contributes to community development and environmental sustainability. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, Zembo is helping combat climate change while improving air quality in urban areas. The potential for saving over 100 million tonnes of CO2 annually if all boda-bodas were electric underscores the significance of their mission.
Additionally, Zembo is dedicated to promoting gender inclusivity within its workforce and customer base. With 30% of its team comprising women and initiatives aimed at empowering female clients through training programs, Zembo is fostering an inclusive environment that supports equal opportunities.
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