Bee Group Initiates CFA610 Million Electric Motorcycle Project in Cameroon

Bee Group has announced a partnership with Tembo Electronical Technology to introduce electric motorcycles in Cameroon with an initial budget of CFA610 million. The pilot phase is scheduled for July 2025, deploying 40 motorcycles in four cities. This initiative aims to reduce costs for drivers, promote local job creation, and minimize environmental impact. Government incentives further support the implementation of this project.

Bee Group, a leader in urban mobility and freight delivery, is collaborating with Tembo Electronical Technology, a Chinese manufacturer, to initiate an electric mobility project in Cameroon. The pilot phase, with a budget of CFA610 million (approximately $1 million), is scheduled for launch in July 2025, featuring 40 electric motorcycles and the infrastructure for their charging stations.

Beginning in June 2025, Bee Group will deploy 40 electric motorcycles across major cities including Douala, Yaoundé, Bertoua, and Bafoussam, allocating 10 motorcycles to each city. “Each motorcycle will utilize two batteries while the other two recharge at designated stations operated by TotalEnergies and Ola Energy,” stated Patrick Timani, CEO and co-founder of Bee Group. The charging stations will accommodate 12 batteries each, facilitating consistent energy accessibility.

Following the pilot phase, Bee Group intends to import an additional 100 electric motorcycles and aims to start local production in 2026. Timani emphasized, “We want to create local jobs, lower import costs, and transfer technology to Cameroon.” The initiative has the support of various stakeholders, including 3S Motors and TotalEnergies, in addition to the Cameroonian government.

Under the 2025 finance laws, electric vehicles in Cameroon benefit from an exemption from the previously imposed 12.5% excise duty. Furthermore, there is a 50% tax reduction applied to the cost of new motorcycles, batteries, and charging stations for the subsequent 24 months.

Transitioning from traditional fuel-powered mototaxis to electric motorcycles represents significant cost savings for drivers. Currently, a typical mototaxi driver spends around CFA6,000 daily on fuel, averaging 8.4 liters. In contrast, the operational cost for an electric motorcycle is reduced to around CFA1,600 per day, amounting to a daily savings of CFA4,400, which totals to CFA114,400 over 26 working days in a month. Additionally, maintenance costs are expected to decline as electric motorcycles do not necessitate oil changes.

This innovative project aims not only to ease transport expenses for passengers but also to promote environmental sustainability by reducing pollution levels. With mototaxis accounting for 61% of overall trips in Douala, Bee Group is positioned to encourage a more sustainable urban mobility framework. Following the success of this initiative in Cameroon, the company plans to expand to other African nations, aligning innovation with job creation and ecological sustainability.

In summary, Bee Group’s partnership with Tembo Electronical Technology marks a significant step towards embracing electric mobility in Cameroon. With its pilot phase set for July 2025, the initiative promises not only to lower operational costs for mototaxi drivers but also aims to foster local job creation and environmental sustainability. The backing from key stakeholders and favorable government policies further enhance the prospects of this endeavor, setting the groundwork for expansion across Africa.

Original Source: www.businessincameroon.com