Introduction
Kofa, a leading Ghanaian clean-tech startup, is making significant strides in the electric vehicle (EV) sector with its innovative battery swapping solutions. Currently rolling out an e-motorcycle in Ghana, Kofa plans to expand its battery swapping system to Kenya and Togo in the near future.
Vision and Innovation
Kofa's mission is to create an affordable, customer-driven electricity network powered by portable batteries and renewable energy. The company has developed a high-capacity battery system named Kore2, alongside a comprehensive battery swapping network. This initiative aims to foster a sustainable energy future in West Africa.
"Kofa’s core innovation lies in providing high-performance power through its batteries, which are not only cost-effective – being at least 30 percent more competitive than petrol – but also versatile in their applications," said Erik Nygard, CEO of Kofa, in an interview with Disrupt Africa.
Expansion and Strategic Partnerships
Kofa's charging and battery swap network, currently expanding across Ghana, is set to support over 100,000 battery swaps annually. This network will facilitate a seamless transition to clean energy for various users. Kofa has strategically partnered with TAIL-G, a globally recognized e-motorcycle manufacturer, to design the Jidi e-motorcycle, specifically tailored for the African market. The Jidi e-motorcycle, equipped with Kofa’s Kore2 battery, boasts a range of over 100km, catering to the mobility needs of the region with a sustainable solution. In a notable partnership with Nigeria’s MAX, a pioneer in electric vehicle solutions in Africa, Kofa has secured a deal that will see MAX offer financing options for over 2,000 revolutionary Jidi bikes. This collaboration aims to enhance the adoption of EVs in the region.
Market Strategy and Competition
Kofa’s founding team prioritized creating the right infrastructure for electric vehicles in West Africa, focusing on multi-use batteries and a robust charging network. Unlike other companies that import ready-made EVs, Kofa is building a market for efficient batteries and the necessary infrastructure to support them. "Our primary competition is petrol. Whether it’s a small business losing money because of high-priced petrol generators, or a delivery driver traveling across Accra with a polluting motorbike, Kofa is trying to solve the problems that existing petrol systems are causing," Nygard explained.
Operational Milestones
Kofa began its operations in Ghana in 2021 with the Volta motorcycle, deploying 40 units across Accra to gather market insights. The second version, the Jidi, has seen substantial growth since January of this year, with the startup deploying over 10 charging stations, 500 Kore2 batteries, and 150 Jidis.
Nygard revealed that Kofa has an additional 7,000 bikes in the pipeline and plans to operate across four cities soon. The company also aims to expand its operations to Kenya and Togo, furthering its impact in the African clean-tech sector.
Funding and Support
Kofa has received seed funding from the Shell Foundation, supported by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Wangara Green Ventures, and Mercy Corps Ventures. This financial support underscores the confidence in Kofa’s innovative solutions and potential for growth.
