Ampersand Secures Funding to Expand Africa’s EV Motorcycles

Rwanda-Kenya startup Ampersand raises new funding from BII and others to scale its electric motorcycle fleet to 13,000 and double its battery swap network by 2026.

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Ampersand, the pioneering Rwandan-Kenyan startup electrifying Africa’s motorcycle taxi industry, has secured a major new funding round to expand its operations across the continent. The round attracted fresh capital from British International Investment (BII), Seedstars Africa Ventures, Gaia Impact, Rwanda Green Fund, and Raspberry Syndicate, alongside continued backing from Acumen, TotalEnergies, and AHL Ventures.

The investment will fuel Ampersand’s ambitious growth plans: scaling its electric motorcycle fleet to 13,000 units and doubling its battery swap network by early 2026. Already, the company powers over 6,000 e-motorcycles and manages more than 20,000 battery swaps daily, making it the largest electric mobility player in Africa.

Affordable, Scalable, and Clean

By offering lower running costs and eliminating reliance on petrol, Ampersand is cutting expenses for motorcycle taxi drivers, known locally as boda-boda operators, while significantly reducing emissions. The model revolves around a robust battery-swapping network, which allows riders to quickly exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones, ensuring seamless uptime and productivity.

Transforming a USD 25 Billion Market

Motorcycle taxis represent a USD 25 billion fuel market in Africa, serving as a vital mode of transport for millions. By electrifying this sector, Ampersand is not only tapping into a vast business opportunity but also addressing pressing environmental and economic challenges.

As global and regional investors rally behind its mission, Ampersand is positioned at the forefront of Africa’s clean mobility transition, combining innovation, affordability, and sustainability to reshape urban transport.