20 Nov, 24
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  • Taiwan partners with Nigeria to launch solar-powered electric motorbikes, reducing reliance on petrol and promoting sustainable transport. 
  • AaraGO’s battery-swapping stations in Lagos offer an eco-friendly solution to soaring fuel prices backed by Taiwanese technology.

In a visionary collaboration to reshape Africa’s green energy landscape, Taiwan’s Chief of Mission to Nigeria, Andy Yih-ping Liu, has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development through cutting-edge technology.

Speaking at launching a groundbreaking of the green mobility initiative in Lagos, Liu echoed the words of Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, who envisions the South East of Nigeria becoming the “Taiwan of Africa,” a hub of innovation and technological transformation.

The occasion was not just ceremonial; it was a testament to Nigeria’s rapid strides in its energy transition journey. AaraGO, a Nigerian startup, unveiled its pioneering battery-swapping service for electric motorbikes, a move aimed at curbing carbon emissions and alleviating the financial burden of escalating petrol prices. The motorbikes, crafted by Taiwan’s renowned KYMCO, an industry leader with over 60 years of excellence in two-wheeler manufacturing, are set to redefine urban mobility landscape in Nigeria.

The event, held at Alliance Française in Ikoyi, Lagos, also doubled as the launch pad for AaraGO’s first solar-powered battery-swapping station, which is now operational at the NNPC Station on Alfred Rewane Road. This station offers a seamless, off-grid solution that taps into renewable energy, aligning with AaraGO’s mission to create a sustainable, environmentally friendly alternative to Nigeria’s petrol-dependent transport sector.

Philip Handschin, AaraGO’s co-founder and CEO, addressed the crowd with urgency, pointing to the staggering rise in fuel prices that have seen the cost of petrol soar from N180 per litre to N1,100 in just two years, a dramatic 520% increase. This price surge has placed an immense strain on Nigeria’s millions of motorbike riders, making the switch to electric mobility desirable and necessary.

“This is no longer just an option; it’s a survival strategy,” Handschin said, stressing that AaraGO’s electric bikes offer a practical solution to a nation grappling with sky-high fuel costs. “By leveraging solar energy, we are helping riders access affordable, sustainable energy, all while reducing air pollution and improving urban air quality.”

Olu Adeosun, former chairman of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) and AaraGO’s co-founder, underscored the magnitude of the opportunity. Nigeria is home to over five million motorbikes, many of which consume vast amounts of petrol daily up to 7 litres per bike. Transitioning these bikes to electric power could have a transformative impact on the nation’s energy consumption, he noted

“The potential for cleaner, more affordable transport is immense. AaraGO’s off-grid model, powered entirely by renewable energy, represents a huge leap forward,” Adeosun said.

The event also highlighted the strategic partnership between AaraGO and KYMCO, which brings together the best of Taiwanese engineering and Nigerian ingenuity. Margaret Ho, Vice President of Business Development at Ionex/KYMCO, spoke passionately about the scalability and impact of the technology. “Our batteries are designed to last, providing sustainable power for riders across the globe,” she said. “We are proud to support AaraGO in their mission to transform Nigeria’s transportation sector with reliable, eco-friendly solutions.”

As the sun set over Lagos, a fireside chat moderated by Bankole Oloruntoba, CEO of the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre (NCIC), brought together various experts to discuss the future of green mobility in Africa. The lively discussions and vibrant exhibition showcasing AaraGO’s innovative technologies and KYMCO’s world-class motorcycles underscored international partnerships’ power in driving sustainable development.

Tags: NigeriaSolar PowerTaiwan