Impact Hub Accra and Siemens Stiftung have launched the project Electric Cargo Bikes “Made in Ghana”, which is funded by the International Climate Initiative. Besides systematically embedding climate-friendly mobility solutions in the region, “Made in Ghana” is also creating green jobs and training placements. The first two workshops in Accra and Tamale will start operations in March.
Electric mobility solutions have a great potential to reduce CO2 emissions in Ghana, however, high initial costs, the shortage of charging stations and access to investments for start-ups are setting barriers to their implementation. With Electric Cargo Bikes “Made in Ghana”, Impact Hub Accra and Siemens Stiftung are building a sustainable and local value chain for the production, operation, and maintenance of electric cargo bikes in collaboration with local and national stakeholders. The business model focuses on small entrepreneurs in the delivery sector and aims to strengthen the acceptance of climate-friendly mobility solutions especially among lower-income groups.
Dr. Nina Smidt, Managing Director and Spokesperson of the Board of Siemens Stiftung, explains: “The project is based on a social entrepreneurship business model that makes clean mobility accessible to lower income communities. Because it is designed as a financially sustainable structure, it has the potential to create a positive impact on Ghana’s society for the long-term, including job creation particularly for women, who will have secured equal access to all training positions on offer.”
The workshops in Accra and Tamale will start operations in March 2022 and begin with the assembling of electric cargo bikes and the technical testing of different bike types within the specific geographic conditions in the operational area. In addition, a network of five photovoltaic charging stations will be installed to establish a charging infrastructure within the operating regions.
“As implementing partners in Ghana, we are looking at paving the way for more electric mobility solutions with this project. Our approach is to test and build sustainable business models and to create an advocacy platform together with other stakeholders to consistently promote climate-friendly solutions in the region”, says Will Senyo, Chief Executive Officer of Impact Hub Accra.
As part of the International Climate Initiative, the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz, nukleare Sicherheit und Verbraucherschutz) is funding the project within the medium grant program with about 400 000 Euros. In this scheme, the Federal Ministry specifically supports smaller civil society actors in the field of climate and biodiversity protection based in Germany who cooperate with local partners in developing and emerging countries.
