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Tesla watch your back! This Nigerian is building solar battery-powered buses that travel miles

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Africans are also raising their heads in the push for a greener world through technology as a Nigerian entrepreneur; Mustapha Gajibo has been converting petrol mini-buses into electric vehicles at his workshop.

Gajibo, who is based in Maiduguri, capital of Borno state in Northern Nigeria is now going a step further to build solar battery-powered buses from scratch in a push to promote clean energy and curb pollution.

The techpreneur in an interview with Reuters revealed that he is currently working on building of bus that could cover up to 200 kilometers in one charge.

“As I am speaking to you now at our workshop, we are building a 12-seater bus which can cover up to 200 kilometres on one charge.

“Before the end of this month we are going to unveil that bus, which will be the first of its kind in the whole of Nigeria,” he said, adding that his workshop had capacity to produce 15 buses a month.” Gajibo said.

While electric cars are becoming popular across the world they are yet to become trend in Nigeria and Africa at large.

The Nigerian Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo in February 2022 unveiled Nigeria’s first locally assembled Electric car – Hyundai Kona manufactured by Stallion Group and its subsidiary, Hyundai Nigeria.

Gajibo also revealed that shortages of foreign currency and high exchange rates are part of the challenges of his venture. The situation makes it difficult to import parts. So, he is looking to source them in Nigeria.

“We have been substituting some materials with local materials to bring our costs down and maximise profit.”

Electric cars do not consume greenhouse gas-emitting gasoline and do not directly create carbon dioxide. Although, it remains true, however, that CO2 is a by-product of the electrical generation needed to charge the car’s batteries.

Elon Musk’s Tesla is the biggest electric car manufacturer in the world as the demand for the eco-friendly product is increasing in the West but with giant stride like that of Gajibo coming from Africa, it will only be a matter of time before the technology becomes circulated and competitive. Hopefully, Africa will be a lead role in the move.

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SA internet service provider Kaya Konekta launches data access for underserved communities

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South Africa’s leading Internet Service Provider (ISP), Kaya Konekta (KaKo), has launched new operations aimed at reaching underserved communities in the country.

The new service which the company says will revolutionise connectivity in the catchment areas comes with affordable and accessible internet services.

Founder and CEO of KaKo, Kagisho Dichabe, who praised the efforts of his team in a statement on Friday, said “KaKo aims to bridge the connectivity gap by providing reliable and affordable data, with a host of mobile and home broadband packages at below market rates.”

“For financial inclusion to be a reality, we need to connect the unconnected, and “Data Must Fall,” he said.

“We are dedicated to providing affordable, reliable internet services to underserved communities, empowering individuals and businesses for a better future.

“Data has become too expensive for people in our communities, especially in our townships,” Dichabe said.

He added that KaKo also aims to empower youth with accessible, high-speed internet, enabling them to access educational materials and online courses conveniently.

“This connectivity offers opportunities for knowledge expansion, higher education pursuits, and skill development,” he emphasized.

The startup’s CEO Thabiso Malekele, also noted that the company views the “internet as an essential tool, not a privilege, for unlocking potential, fostering learning, and connecting communities.”

“This belief fuels our passion to change and improve the lives of underserved and unconnected individuals.

“Our nation’s history compels us to actively champion this cause. While we strive to expand our reach like any ISP by deploying various technologies including fibre, LTE and 5G to different customers, we prioritise addressing the critical gaps in connectivity that leave many behind.

“At Kaya Konekta, we’re passionate about both customer service and the community.”

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Nigeria’s MAX partners Ghana’s Kofa in e-bike financing deal

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Nigeria’s electric vehicle solutions provider, MAX, has announced striking a partnership deal with Ghana’s innovator in energy networks, Kofa, that will see MAX offering financing options for over 2,000 revolutionary TailG Jidi bikes.

The bikes which are developed by Kofa in conjunction with TailG, a Chinese manufacturer, were launched in October last year and has been a big hit in the West African country.

A statement by MAX on Thursday, stated that the partnership marks a significant milestone in making green transportation more accessible in Africa.

“Max’s financing options for the motorbikes will enable more individuals and businesses to adopt eco-friendly transportation, aligning with both companies’ vision of a sustainable future,” it said.

“This collaboration between MAX and Kofa is a step towards a greener, more sustainable Africa.

“This partnership is poised to accelerate the transition to green energy and sustainable transportation in Africa,” the company said.

“The coming together of the two democratises access to vehicle ownership and electric mobility across Africa through a tech-driven platform that offers a spectrum of services, including subscription-based vehicle financing,cutting-edge electric vehicle options, and comprehensive support services.

“Kofa, meanwhile, is focused on creating affordable, sustainable, and customer-driven electricity networks, starting with electric motorcycles.

“The startup partnered TailG Group, a leading electric vehicle brand from China, to launch the Jidi electric motorcycle last October, and subsequently announced the planned launch of its second-generation Kore 2 Swap & Go network,” it added.

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