Tech

Ghanaian e-bike startup Kofa set to roll out battery swap network

Published

10 months ago

February 5, 2024

Ghana-owned e-bike startup, Kofa, is set to unveil its swappable battery network as it plans to launch its second-generation “Kore 2 Swap & Go Network.”

The swappable battery, according to Erik Nygard, CEO and founder of Kofa, is the first of its kind as the startup is set to pioneer Africa’s first multi-use, affordable and customer-driven electricity network powered by portable batteries and renewable energy.

With backing from Shell Foundation, the UK’s FCDO, Wangara Green Ventures, and Mercy Corps Ventures, Kofa launched Ghana’s first connected battery swap network, around its Kore1 battery in early 2023 which Nygard said was a huge success and a precursor to the current development.

“Kofa Swap & Go system is a distributed network of batteries and swap stations that provides immediate access to a fully-charged battery in seconds,” he said while explaining the uniqueness of the swappable batteries.

“The launch of Kofa’s Kore2 battery network represents a pivotal step towards accessible and affordable energy in urban centres across Africa.

“Our network connects users to clean energy anywhere not limited by cables and wires, whilst enabling significant savings vs petrol for all users.

“We look forward to growing our network to bring our batteries into more homes, businesses and vehicles across Africa,” Nygard said.

“This groundbreaking system, powered by proprietary IoT with full Edge AI capability, is poised to transform the urban energy access landscape in West Africa by working as a support and offset to the incumbent electricity grid.

“Kofa’s upgraded IoT platform allows for fully autonomous battery swapping, even in areas with low or no internet connectivity. The AI powered network’s capabilities facilitate substantial customer savings by enabling a high degree of automation and auto-repairing features,” he added.

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Tech

Ghana partners with The Gambia to provide free roaming services

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana and The Gambia are in the process of launching free roaming services that will enhance a West African connectivity.

The plan which is a joint initiative of the Ghana Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation and The Gambian National Communications Authority (NCA) will see mobile users in both countries avoiding extra charges for calls, texts, and data, which in turn, is expected to boost trade, tourism, and economic integration across borders.

The collaboration, according to a joint statement by the two bodies, aligns with the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) broader push for seamless regional communication.

“Ghana and The Gambia are forging new paths in West Africa’s digital landscape, implementing a free-roaming initiative,” the statement said.

“This move strengthens regional connectivity while highlighting the role of technological collaboration in fostering economic integration. The initiative enables mobile users travelling between the two nations to make calls, send messages, and use data services without additional roaming fees.”

It further noted that by reducing these costs, the program aligns with the ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative, which seeks to eliminate barriers to communication across member states.

“It is a boost for trade and travel as the free roaming plan is expected to spur economic activities by streamlining cross-border communication.

“Businesses and individuals travelling between Ghana and The Gambia can now stay connected without worrying about exorbitant charges, facilitating smoother transactions and personal interactions. The initiative is also expected to attract more tourists by ensuring seamless digital access for visitors.

“This collaboration marks another milestone in Ghana’s commitment to expanding digital connectivity, following Ghana’s successful implementation of similar agreements with Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin, with talks of possible roaming partnerships with Liberia.

“By focusing on digital integration, Ghana and The Gambia demonstrate the power of technology to bridge gaps between countries. This step also serves as a model for other West African nations to join the free-roaming framework, contributing to the larger goal of a connected and economically integrated region,” it added.

Tech

Tanzania to host 6th Ocean Innovation Africa summit in February

Published

2 days ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, has been selected to host the sixth edition of the Ocean Innovation Africa (OIA) summit from February 24-28, 2025, as a flagship event within Regenerative Ocean Week.

The Ocean Innovation Africa is set to be Africa’s most significant platform for Ocean Innovation conservation, and sustainable development in the blue economy. OIA2025 will be co-organised with leading partners, including IUCN, GIZ, OceanHub Africa, Catalyze and the Ocean-Climate Platform.

With the theme, “Science-to-Solution”, the Regenerative Ocean Week will present a line-up of sessions designed to bridge the gap between scientific research, business innovation, policy, and community engagement.

According to the organizers of the event, it will bring together African ocean innovators, investors, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to explore practical solutions that can be applied across the continent.

“These include the OIA Pitch Competition, which is a platform for Africa-based startups and entrepreneurs to showcase breakthrough ideas in ocean-impact solutions, allowing them to connect with investors and industry leaders and emphasizing Africa’s role in driving sustainable ocean initiatives,” the organizers said in a statement.