Significant Factory Expansion to Boost Production
Ampersand, the electric vehicle (EV) startup revolutionizing commercial motorcycle transport in Africa, has announced the opening of a new, larger manufacturing facility in Nairobi, Kenya. The new factory, covering an impressive 21,000 square meters, is more than three times the size of its previous 6,500 square meter site.
This strategic expansion enables Ampersand to assemble up to 60 electric motorcycles per day, or 1,440 units monthly. Along with supporting its growing battery swap network, the new facility will deploy over 100 staff to meet the increasing demand for electric motorcycles in the region.
Driving Growth with E-Motorcycles in East Africa
Ampersand has already made significant strides in the East African market, with over 1,100 of its electric motorcycles (e-motos) currently in operation. According to the company, its commercial e-motos and battery fleet collectively travel over 4.5 million kilometers each week, connecting key transport hubs between Kigali, Rwanda, and Nairobi, Kenya.
With ambitious goals ahead, Ampersand plans to deploy five million electric motorcycles across Africa by 2033, contributing to the continent’s transition toward cleaner, more sustainable transportation.
A Vision for Scale and Impact
Ampersand CEO Josh Whale emphasized the impact of this expanded manufacturing facility: “With this increased capacity, we are in a stronger position to electrify Africa’s commercial motorcycle transport sector and scale Ampersand’s proven business model to meet demand.”
By tripling its production capacity in Kenya, the company aims to solidify its leadership position in the country’s rapidly growing electric vehicle market.
Competing Players in Kenya’s Electric Vehicle Space
Ampersand is not the only player driving Kenya’s EV revolution. In April 2024, BasiGo launched the country’s first electric bus production line, with plans to assemble 1,000 electric buses for local operators over the next three years. Meanwhile, M-KOPA and Bolt have partnered to roll out an electric motorcycle fleet, targeting the deployment of more than 5,000 e-bikes in Kenya in the coming years.
Additionally, Zeno, a growing EV startup, raised $9.5 million in an oversubscribed seed round in September 2024, led by Lowercarbon Capital and Toyota Ventures. The company is focusing on introducing swappable battery technology across East Africa, with its first electric motorbikes expected in early 2025.
Government Support for E-Mobility in Kenya
Kenya’s government is also showing a strong commitment to supporting the e-mobility industry. In April 2024, the government released a draft of its National E-mobility Policy, which aims to enhance the regulatory framework for electric vehicles. This policy is expected to encourage local production and assembly of EVs, creating an enabling environment for companies like Ampersand to thrive.
Ampersand at the Forefront of Africa’s EV Transition
Ampersand’s new manufacturing facility in Nairobi marks a significant milestone in the company’s mission to electrify commercial motorcycle transport across Africa. As competition heats up in Kenya’s electric vehicle market, Ampersand’s expanded capacity positions it as a key player in the drive for cleaner, more sustainable transportation solutions. With support from both the private sector and the Kenyan government, the company is poised to lead the charge in transforming Africa’s transportation landscape for years to come.
