Bee Group’s CFA610 Million Investment in Electric Motorcycles for Cameroon
Bee Group is launching a project in Cameroon to introduce Tembo electric motorcycles, investing CFA610 million. Scheduled for July 2025, the pilot will involve 40 motorcycles across key cities. The project aims to create local jobs, reduce costs, and promote environmentally friendly transport solutions, with potential expansion to other African nations.
Bee Group is investing CFA610 million ($1 million) in a project to launch electric motorcycles in Cameroon in partnership with Tembo Electronical Technology. The pilot phase is scheduled for July 2025, featuring 40 electric motorcycles and associated charging stations. The targeted cities include Douala, Yaoundé, Bertoua, and Bafoussam, with plans for 10 motorcycles deployed in each city.
Each electric motorcycle will be priced at CFA600,000 and is outfitted with four batteries—two batteries will be operational while the others recharge at designated TotalEnergies and Ola Energy charging stations, each housing 12 batteries. This strategy ensures an efficient energy supply for the motorcycles.
Following the pilot, Bee Group intends to import an additional 100 motorcycles and aims for local production to begin in 2026, focusing on job creation and technology transfer to the region. “We want to create local jobs, lower import costs, and transfer technology to Cameroon,” stated Patrick Timani, CEO and co-founder of Bee Group.
The initiative, supported by 3S Motors, TotalEnergies, and the government of Cameroon, benefits from tax incentives, including exemption from a previously imposed 12.5% excise duty on electric vehicles and a 50% tax cut on the new motorcycles and associated equipment for the next two years.
Switching from traditional mototaxis to electric alternatives promises substantial savings for drivers. Typical mototaxi drivers currently spend CFA6,000 daily on fuel, averaging 8.4 liters of gasoline. This figure could reduce to about CFA1,600 daily with electric motorcycles, resulting in CFA4,400 in savings each day. Monthly, this translates to about CFA114,400.
Additionally, maintenance costs for electric motorcycles are significantly lower as they lack combustion engines, negating the need for expensive oil changes. Beyond economic advantages, the initiative will likely reduce transport fares for passengers and decrease environmental pollution. With mototaxis making up 61% of trips in Douala, the project aims to promote sustainable urban mobility.
Looking ahead, Bee Group plans to extend this electric mobility initiative to other African nations, emphasizing innovation, job creation, and environmental sustainability.
Bee Group’s initiative to introduce electric motorcycles in Cameroon represents a significant move towards sustainable urban mobility. With a strategic partnership with Tembo and support from various stakeholders, the project promises not only cost savings for mototaxi drivers but also environmental benefits. The potential for local job creation and technology transfer further enhances its importance, with plans for regional expansion anticipated beyond Cameroon.
Original Source: www.businessincameroon.com
