The Birthplace Of The Boda Boda Is Electrifying Thanks To Pioneers Like Zembo - CleanTechnica

The article highlights Uganda's pivotal role in the origin and ongoing evolution of the boda boda motorcycle taxi industry, which began over 50 years ago with pioneers like Ali Mayende. Today, boda bodas are a vital mode of passenger and small goods transport across Africa, with nearly 30 million motorcycles operating continent-wide. Despite their prevalence, about 99% of these motorcycles still rely on internal combustion engines, presenting a significant opportunity for electrification. The shift toward electric motorcycles is primarily driven by local startups within the so-called “boda belt,” a region stretching from Tanzania to Senegal, where motorcycle taxis dominate commercial transport. A leading example of this transition is Uganda-based Zembo, a pioneer in Africa’s electric motorcycle sector. Zembo’s electric motorcycles have made substantial impacts, particularly in last-mile delivery services for companies like Glovo, where 40% of couriers now use electric bikes with plans to increase this share. Zembo’s fleet has contributed to significant carbon emission reductions—over 2,