Ugandan EV manufacturer BODAWERK has undergone a transformation. The company, now rebranded as GOGO, is on a mission to electrify Uganda’s roads, aiming to double the number of electric vehicles in the country within the next two years.
This ambitious venture is backed by a strategic partnership with Watu Credit Uganda Ltd., setting the stage for a sustainable transportation revolution in Uganda.
What’s Happening?
GOGO, formerly known as BODAWERK, has made the landmark announcement during a customer service appreciation event, which also celebrated Uganda’s Independence Day. This event, attended by over 400 boda boda riders in Kampala, served as the platform for unveiling the company’s rebranding and its ambitious plans for the future.
Ben Lokeris Koriang, the founder of GOGO, shared the company’s goal of transitioning the Ugandan Boda industry to electric bikes over the coming two years. To make this vision a reality, GOGO has joined forces with Watu Credit Uganda Ltd.
This partnership aims to introduce over 1,000 new electric vehicles to the Ugandan market by the end of 2023.
Why This Matters?
The significance of this announcement aligns perfectly with the Ugandan government’s goal to reduce the number of diesel and petrol vehicles on its roads by a quarter by 2026.
With the Kampala Capital City Authority estimating that less than 1% of the 150,000 motorcycles in Kampala are electric, the potential for growth is immense. The broader statistics reveal an even more significant opportunity: of the over one million motorcycles on Ugandan roads, about 750,000 operate in the Kampala, Mukono, and Wakiso districts.
This indicates a vast market for electric bodas in the upcoming years.
What They Said
During the event, Francis Chandia, EV Manager at Watu, emphasized the future of transportation being electric. He highlighted the benefits of electric vehicles, such as affordability and a healthier alternative to fuel-powered vehicles. Watu’s partnership with GOGO is timely and strategic, aiming to boost the production of EV bikes and increase the number of battery-swapping stations.
Ben Lokeris Koriang further elaborated on the importance of battery-swapping stations, ensuring that riders can operate their EV bikes without the anxiety of running out of battery power.
Looking Ahead
GOGO has set clear targets for the future. By the end of 2023, they aim to have 1,000 riders on the road and achieve 2,000 battery swaps daily.
By the end of 2024, the company envisions 20,000 riders consuming a whopping 3GWh of electricity monthly. Furthermore, GOGO plans to establish East Africa’s largest lithium-ion battery pack factory in 2024.
Having launched as BODAWERK six years ago, GOGO has already made significant strides in the transportation sector. Their E-BODA Commuter electric motorbike boasts a single gear and offers up to 100km of range with a 150kg load capacity.
The company also provides a battery-powered three-wheeler for larger cargo and a battery-powered engine for boats, catering to fishermen.
Watu’s investment in GOGO is a testament to their belief in the potential of the electric motorbike industry in Uganda. With their experience in asset financing across Africa, Watu is poised to play a pivotal role in the expansion of this industry.
