Kigali, Rwanda-based electric transport energy company, Ampersand, has entered into a partnered with Chinese multinational manufacturing company, BYD, which is aimed at a collaborating on the decarbonisation and electrification of Africa’s commercial motorbike transport system.

The partnership, according to Josh Whale, CEO of Ampersand, will “enable Ampersand to rapidly scale its electric fleet and its charging infrastructure, which is already the largest in Rwanda and Kenya.”

“This partnership marks a major milestone for Ampersand as we continue to lead the charge in providing sustainable, cost effective, mass-market EV solutions,” said Whale.

“BYD’s world-leading battery cells and manufacturing scale, combined with Ampersand’s deep customer insight and technical product knowledge will help fast track the electrification of Africa’s commercial motorcycles.”

Whale added that the partnership with BYD will see Ampersand purchase BYD’s high-tech battery cells to build around 40,000 electric motorcycles by the end of 2026, with the long-term goal of electrifying a large portion of Africa’s 30 million commercial motorbikes.

Ampersand is Rwanda’s leading assemblers and financiers of electric motorcycles that cost less to buy and operate, and perform better than the five million petrol motorcycle taxis in use across East Africa.

And since its commercial launch in May 2019, Ampersand’s fleet has grown to over 1,000 in size, and is expected to exceed 10,000 by late 2024.

“Switching the millions of taxi and delivery two-wheelers to EV energy tech represents one of the world’s best value-for-money decarbonisation opportunities,” Whale noted.

“At the same time, this transformation will save millions of hardworking motorcycle riders six hundred dollars each a year, driving clean economic prosperity,” he added.

Africa’s cross-border money transfer operators, Mama Money, has entered into partnership with Access Bank and Paymentology to launch a WhatsApp-powered bank card in South Africa.

According to Mathieu Coquillon, co-founder of Mama Money, “through its integration with WhatsApp, the Mama Money Card allows users to transfer payments internationally, buy electricity and airtime, download bank statements, check their balance and manage their account using the data-friendly messaging platform.”

He added that the innovation would make it much easier than traditional banks that often require proof of address to get a bank card.

“This is a key feature for Mama Money’s customers in South Africa, who are mostly from countries such as Zimbabwe, Malawi, Ghana, Nigeria, India and many more, to easily get a bank card that gives them access to fundamental financial services and the ability to send money to over 70 countries worldwide,” said Coquillon.

“Through Paymentology’s next-generation payment solution, the Mama Money Card also offers advanced security features that allow you to instantly freeze the card through WhatsApp in case of loss or theft.

“The Mama Money Card represents a significant step in empowering communities, particularly in aiding migrants.

“It provides a platform for secure employer payments, encourages savings, and ultimately contributes to the financial well-being of its users.

“By catering to the specific needs of a diverse customer base, Mama Money continues to dismantle financial barriers and promote inclusivity.

“In a nation where an estimated 4 million migrants reside with many not having access to essential financial services, initiatives such as this from Mama Money, powered by us, play a pivotal role in bridging the gap in financial inclusivity,” Drisha Kirkman, Head of Programme Management and Sustainability at Paymentology also stated.