Green Hub Kampala – E-mobility ecosystem for climate change mitigation

Green Hub Kampala Boda Boda project

Introducing our project ‘Green Hub Kampala – E-mobility ecosystem for climate change mitigation and improved livelihoods’

‘Green Hub Kampala – E-mobility ecosystem for climate change mitigation and improved livelihoods’ is developed together with KJAER GROUP, and Nexus Green Ltd and funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Danida Green Business Partnerships (DGBP) program.

In Uganda, where the transport sector generates high greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, this project will recycle old bodas (taxi motorcycles) and replace them with e-bodas powered by solar energy. This innovative pilot project encompasses an ecosystem consisting of six value chains, including material recycling (led by an all women workforce), e-boda distribution with asset financing, charging infrastructure, renewable energy generation, and digital support services.

The project sets out to transform the commercial boda industry, one of Uganda’s largest informal employment sectors. It aims to increase incomes for drivers, provide safer working conditions, promote sustainable waste management, and initiate the transition to a green transport sector. Furthermore, it will explore a safer inclusion of women in the boda industry.

Key impacts include renewable energy production, significant CO2 and air pollution reductions, and creation of green livelihoods for women and youth, including increased income for boda drivers.

Background: A transports sector on black fuel

Uganda’s transport sector almost entirely runs on imported non-renewable energy. This causes alarming rates of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution with more than 150,000 bodas in Kampala and each boda releasing on average 5.7 kg of CO2 per day. The transport sector is thus heavily contributing to climate change and is causing a health hazard with 28,000 Ugandans dying annually because of air pollution.

In April 2023, the government of Uganda finalized their Strategy for the Transition to E-mobility with the mission to provide an enabling environment for e-mobility ecosystems in Uganda. Our new e-mobility project is tapping into this new strategy.

Partners

Kjaer Group was established as a car dealership in Svendborg, Denmark in 1962. Today the company provides automotive mobility globally in more than 70 countries and employs around 400 people. Kjaer Group holds a leading position within its business area in Mozambique and Uganda where it owns and operates distributions, fully owned workshops and service facilities under the name of MOTORCARE. Globally, Kjaer Group also deliver vehicles, motorcycles, parts, accessories, insurances and finance solutions to customers in the international aid and development sector (NGOs, the UN, the EU etc).

Nexus Green Limited is an innovative international solar energy company that specializes in designing, supplying, manufacturing, and delivering affordable solar-powered solutions that reduce carbon emissions and provide cheaper cleaner energy. Their ambition is to contribute to a more sustainable future by bringing solar energy to industries, businesses, communities, farming and homes across Africa. Nexus Green Limited UK started operations in Uganda in 2016 and later opened their subsidiary company in Uganda in 2021. The local company has grown to become the biggest solar company in Uganda and implements several government and development projects focusing on solar irrigation systems, solar street lighting, and solar and battery storage.

Read more here.