Bee Group’s CFA610 Million Investment to Launch Electric Motorcycles in Cameroon
Bee Group is partnering with Tembo Electronical Technology to launch an electric mobility project in Cameroon, with a CFA610 million budget for 40 electric motorcycles by July 2025. The initiative aims at job creation, technology transfer, and reducing transport costs while benefiting the environment. Following the pilot, local production is planned by 2026, and expansion to other African markets is anticipated.
Bee Group, renowned for its focus on urban mobility and freight delivery, is collaborating with Chinese manufacturer Tembo Electronical Technology to initiate an electric mobility project in Cameroon. With a budget of approximately CFA610 million ($1 million), the pilot phase is expected to commence in July 2025, featuring the introduction of 40 electric motorcycles and corresponding charging stations across key cities.
Starting in June 2025, 40 electric motorcycles will be launched, with each motorcycle outfitted with four batteries. Patrick Timani, CEO and co-founder of Bee Group, stated, “Each motorcycle, priced at around CFA600,000, will have two batteries in use while the other two recharge in stations set up at TotalEnergies and Ola Energy locations.” Each charging station will support 12 batteries for uninterrupted energy supply.
Following the pilot phase, Bee Group intends to import an additional 100 motorcycles and aims for local production initiation by 2026. Timani emphasized the project’s local impact, saying, “We want to create local jobs, lower import costs, and transfer technology to Cameroon.” The venture is supported by several partners, including car dealer 3S Motors and TotalEnergies, along with backing from the Cameroonian government.
The 2025 finance law in Cameroon offers significant advantages, as electric vehicles are exempt from the previously imposed 12.5% excise duty. Additionally, a 50% tax reduction on the value of new motorcycles, batteries, and charging stations will be granted for the upcoming 24 months.
Switching from conventional fuel-powered mototaxis to electric alternatives presents substantial savings for drivers. Presently, a mototaxi driver incurs expenses of about CFA6,000 daily on fuel, consuming around 8.4 liters. In contrast, operating an electric motorcycle would reduce costs to approximately CFA1,600 per day, yielding savings of CFA4,400 daily, or CFA114,400 monthly.
Furthermore, maintenance of electric motorcycles is less demanding, as they do not require oil changes, which typically cost between CFA8,000 and CFA12,000 monthly. This initiative not only presents financial benefits but also aims to lower transport fares and mitigate pollution, particularly in Douala, where mototaxis constitute 61% of all trips. Bee Group envisions an environmentally sustainable transition in urban mobility across Cameroon and eventually to other African nations.
In conclusion, Bee Group’s electric mobility initiative represents a significant advancement in urban transportation within Cameroon. The partnership with Tembo Electronical Technology and the support of the government is set to transform the local mobility landscape while offering substantial economic benefits. This project highlights the potential for technology transfer, job creation, and environmental improvement, marking a progressive step towards sustainable urban transport in the region.
Original Source: www.businessincameroon.com
