KAMPALA — Electric mobility company Spiro has entered a strategic partnership with Chinese electric two-wheeler manufacturer Yadea to expand electric transport solutions across African markets.
The partnership will combine Yadea’s manufacturing and research capabilities with Spiro’s operational network and battery-swapping infrastructure, which the company operates in seven African countries.
Under the agreement, Yadea will supply electric two-wheelers and related products for Spiro’s markets, while Spiro will integrate the vehicles into its battery-swapping and energy infrastructure.
The companies also plan to develop two-wheeler models tailored to African road conditions and commercial applications.
The partnership is expected to target commercial fleet operators, delivery businesses, logistics companies and commuters as the companies seek to expand the use of electric two-wheelers.
Spiro founder and Equitane chairman Gagan Gupta said the agreement would build on the company’s work in developing electric mobility and energy infrastructure in Africa.
“When we launched Spiro, our mission was to lay the energy and mobility foundation for Africa’s green transition,” Mr Gupta said.
Spiro chief executive Anant Badjatya said the partnership would enable the company to respond to growing demand for electric mobility.
“Africa’s shift to electric mobility is accelerating, and this partnership helps us meet that demand at scale,” Mr Badjatya said.
Yadea Technology Group senior vice president Wang Jiazhong said the partnership would support the company’s efforts to expand zero-emission transport solutions in African markets.
Expanding electric mobility
Founded in China, Yadea manufactures electric two-wheelers and says it has sold more than 100 million vehicles in more than 100 countries.
The company operates 10 production facilities and says it holds more than 2,000 registered patents covering electric vehicle technologies.
For Spiro, the agreement comes as the company pursues further expansion across Africa after raising $270 million in its latest funding round, which included investment from Chinese fund NewTrails Capital.
Spiro operates a battery-swapping model in which riders can exchange depleted batteries for charged ones, reducing the time required to recharge electric motorcycles.
The company says the partnership with Yadea will support the expansion of its electric motorcycle and battery-swapping operations as it seeks to increase access to electric transport across its African markets.