Freetown Innovation Lab, a social enterprise from Sierra Leone, made a significant impact at Africa’s largest E-Mobility event in South Africa.

The competition, hosted by the VUKA Group, serves as a premier platform for groundbreaking mobility solutions from across the continent, giving innovators the opportunity to pitch their projects to a global audience of potential investors and industry experts.

Representing Sierra Leone, the co-founders of Freetown Innovation Lab, Mallence Bart Williams and Mohamed Alhaji Kamara, presented their pioneering E-Mobility project aimed at transforming the local transportation sector.

Their vision is to retrofit the country’s widely used Kekehs (three-wheeled taxis) and motorcycles with electric power systems, replacing the conventional fuel-driven engines.

In addition to retrofitting, they propose the establishment of a network of battery-swapping stations, making the transition to electric vehicles seamless and convenient for drivers.

The project, which seeks to raise $5 million in funding, holds the potential to reduce Sierra Leone’s reliance on fuel, lower carbon emissions, and offer a more sustainable and environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

The transportation sector, known to contribute about 20% of global carbon dioxide emissions, is a major target for climate action, and this initiative positions Sierra Leone as a key player in the region’s green energy transition.

By pitching their innovative solution on a continental stage, the founders are not only addressing the pressing environmental challenges associated with fuel-powered vehicles but also advancing Sierra Leone’s efforts to adopt cleaner and more sustainable technologies.

Freetown Innovation Lab’s participation in Africa’s largest E-Mobility event signifies a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey toward a more sustainable future, while showcasing the potential of African innovators in tackling global climate issues.