Tech

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

Published

3 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

RepAir, Cella partner to launch carbon capture in Kenya

Published

2 days ago

April 27, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

Global Direct Air Capture (DAC) firm, RepAir, has entered into a partnership with carbon storage technology company, Cella, to launch a first-of-its-kind innovative Carbon Capture and Storage venture in Kenya.

In a statement on its website on Friday, RepAir said the venture will see a replication of its “cultivating partnerships” with storage firms in Europe, U.S. and Africa.

“This storage agreement will streamline the sale of high-quality carbon credits to off-takers, enabling corporations to meet evolving ESG standards, manage offsets and advance towards net zero goals,” the statement issued by RePAir CEO, Amir Amir Shiner, stated.

“Our solution sets a new standard, requiring only 600 kWh per ton of CO2 captured, marking the lowest energy consumption on the market.

“This agreement is perfectly aligned with the launch of our commercial demonstrator in 2025, empowering RepAir to offer high-quality carbon credits to our customers.

“It will see to the establishment of a storage partnership with Cella aimed at creating dedicated value chains for extracting CO2 from the atmosphere and permanently storing it underground through in-situ mineralization.

Corey Pattison, CEO, Cella, who also issued a statement on the partnership, said “by partnering with Cella at our first demonstration site, RepAir can capitalize on two critical resources: the potential for truly permanent, highly verifiable carbon storage via mineralization combined with Kenya’s abundant renewable energy sources.

“Together these resources provide a comprehensive solution for capturing and storing CO2 for off-takers. This collaboration represents an extraordinary opportunity to nurture mutual growth.”

Tech

Intel Liftoff Hackathon 2024 calls for applications from African AI startups

Published

3 days ago

April 26, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

Applications for the 2024 cohort of Intel Liftoff Hackathon has opened for African AI startups designed to bring together aspiring tech entrepreneurs, software developers, and AI enthusiasts to collaborate, innovate, and create solutions to concrete African challenges.

In its second edition, the hackathon welcomes pioneering early-stage AI startup teams from the African continent, delving into experiments with LLM technology, a statement on the website of the organiser stated.

It added that the Intel Liftoff Hackathon for African AI Startups, which will be held online on May 27-31, is themed “Hack and Connect”, and will take place in partnership with Modus Africa, University Mohamed VI Polytechnic, Morocco

Other partners include TUT Hub of Artificial Intelligence Institute of South Africa, Prosper Africa, UM6P Ventures, FAST Accelerator, Innov8 Technology Hubs, and Open Startups International.

“The hackathon will feature hands-on workshops that will allow learning of AI essentials; three days of challenges with mentors to test skills; exhibition opportunities to showcase startups and forge partnerships with industry leaders; and networking opportunities to engage with fellow startups and gain insights from domain experts in the AI ecosystem,” the statement said.

“Winners will be invited to join the Intel Liftoff for Startups programme, and receive unique mentoring sessions with ecosystem partners and marketing opportunities with blog articles,” it concluded.