Kofa Technologies, a Ghanaian startup specializing in clean and portable battery solutions, has partnered with PASH Global to expand its battery-swapping network across Ghana. This initiative aims to deploy 6,000 batteries and establish up to 100 swap stations, providing reliable energy access and supporting the transition to clean energy and the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Africa.
The expansion is backed by a significant investment of £2.35 million (approximately $3.13 million) from the Shell Foundation, co-funded by the UK Government through its Transforming Energy Access (TEA) platform. Additionally, the Shell Foundation and TEA are committing another £1.4 million (around $1.8 million) to support Kofa’s research on e-bike financing and the impact of its multi-use battery technology.
The project is designed to deliver affordable and clean energy for electric two-wheelers while also powering small businesses and homes that currently rely on petrol generators. By replacing these generators, Kofa aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels significantly.
Kofa will oversee the management of the battery network and operations related to the special purpose vehicle (SPV), ensuring customers have access to fully charged batteries whenever needed. Meanwhile, PASH Global will assist with the deployment, maintenance, and management of the battery swap stations, with plans to transition them to solar power in the future.
Jonathan Berman, CEO of Shell Foundation, emphasized that providing clean energy to transporters and micro-entrepreneurs not only increases their income but also helps reduce emissions. He noted that this partnership is vital for advancing e-mobility and clean energy solutions throughout Africa.
Kofa Technologies also has plans to expand its services into Kenya and Togo by June 2024, aiming to offer cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions for West Africa while continuing to introduce e-motorcycles in Ghana.
Currently, Ghana boasts around 17,000 registered electric vehicles, including two- and three-wheelers, making it one of the largest EV markets in Africa. The African EV market is Projected to generate $204.8 million in revenue by 2024 and grow to $313.3 million by 2029, with an annual growth rate of 8.87%.
In addition to Kofa’s efforts, other startups like Rwanda’s Ampersand, BasiGo and Zeno—founded by a former Tesla employee—have entered this growing sector. Zeno recently secured $9.5 million to launch swappable battery technology across East Africa with its first electric motorbikes set for release in early 2025.
