In a landmark move poised to accelerate Uganda’s green industrial ambitions, homegrown electric vehicle (EV) pioneer GOGO Electric has secured a US$3 million (approx. UGX10.93 billion) investment from the Uganda Development Bank (UDB) to boost the country’s e-mobility revolution. This strategic partnership, announced today, signals a bold step toward positioning Uganda as a continental leader in sustainable transportation and clean energy innovation.
The collaboration between GOGO Electric—a trailblazer in Uganda’s EV sector—and UDB, the government’s primary development finance institution, underscores a shared vision to catalyze sustainable industrialization. The investment marks one of the first major direct injections of government-backed capital into electric motorcycle manufacturing in East Africa, setting a precedent for regional e-mobility growth.
By supporting GOGO Electric, UDB is not only advancing clean transportation but also fostering economic resilience and job creation aligned with national development goals.
The US$3 million investment will turbocharge GOGO Electric’s operations, focusing on four key areas:
- Scaling local manufacturing: Expanding production capacity to meet surging demand for electric motorcycles, particularly among Uganda’s iconic bodaboda riders.
- Job creation: Generating hundreds of technical and engineering roles, with training programs to equip Ugandans for high-value employment in the green economy.
- Innovation hub: Accelerating R&D to refine battery technology, charging infrastructure, and affordable models tailored for Ugandan terrain and usage.
- Accessible clean transport: Lowering costs and expanding distribution networks to make EVs a viable alternative to fossil-fuel vehicles nationwide.
GOGO Electric has emerged as a cornerstone of Uganda’s EV ecosystem. The company’s electric motorcycles have gained traction for their durability, affordability (priced competitively against petrol bikes), and eco-friendly design. Each motorcycle reduces carbon emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional models—a critical advantage in a country where transport accounts for 15% of greenhouse gas emissions.
Beyond manufacturing, GOGO Electric has spearheaded grassroots initiatives, including battery-swap stations and partnerships with local financiers to offer flexible payment plans. These efforts have positioned electric motorcycles as a practical choice for Uganda’s estimated 1.2 million motorcycles, riders, who face rising fuel costs and maintenance expenses.
See also: OP-ED: Why can’t electric motorcycle riders buy their batteries?
This investment aligns with Uganda’s broader policy framework to embrace clean energy. The government’s Vision 2040 and National Development Plan III prioritize sustainable industrialization, with EVs identified as a strategic sector. Recent measures include tax incentives for EV imports, plans for solar-powered charging stations, and collaborations with regional bodies like the East African Community (EAC) to harmonize e-mobility standards.
While the UDB investment is a game-changer, industry experts note hurdles such as high upfront EV costs and limited charging infrastructure in rural areas. However, GOGO Electric’s focus on modular batteries—which can be charged via solar energy—and pay-as-you-go financing models aims to bridge these gaps.
As GOGO Electric revs up its engines with UDB’s backing, the partnership exemplifies how strategic investment in homegrown enterprises can drive economic and environmental progress.
GOGO Electric is reportedly eyeing regional expansion, capitalizing on the EAC’s growing appetite for e-mobility. With over 5 million motorcycles on East African roads, the shift to EVs could slash carbon emissions by millions of tons annually while creating cross-border trade opportunities.
See also: The future of urban mobility: How Yongeza Capital is leading a sustainable, electrified world
