Bee Group’s Investment in Electric Motorcycles to Transform Urban Mobility in Cameroon
Bee Group partners with Tembo Electronical Technology to invest CFA610 million in an electric mobility project in Cameroon. Starting in July 2025, the pilot phase will deploy 40 electric motorcycles across four cities. The project aims to reduce transport costs, create local jobs, and lower pollution. Following this phase, plans for 100 more motorcycles and local production by 2026 are anticipated.
Bee Group, focused on urban mobility and freight delivery, has initiated a collaboration with Chinese manufacturer Tembo Electronical Technology to launch an electric mobility project in Cameroon. The initiative, with a budget of approximately $1 million (around CFA610 million), is set to commence in July 2025, featuring the introduction of 40 electric motorcycles and their corresponding charging stations.
Commencing in June 2025, the project will deploy 40 electric motorcycles across four major cities: Douala, Yaoundé, Bertoua, and Bafoussam, with ten motorcycles allocated to each city. According to Patrick Timani, CEO and co-founder of Bee Group, “Each motorcycle, priced at around CFA600,000, will utilize two batteries while the other two recharge at stations established at TotalEnergies and Ola Energy locations.” Each station will accommodate 12 batteries to provide a consistent energy supply.
Following the pilot phase, Bee Group aims to import an additional 100 motorcycles and intends to initiate local production by 2026. Timani emphasized the project’s goals: “We want to create local jobs, lower import costs, and transfer technology to Cameroon.” The initiative is supported by various stakeholders, including 3S Motors, TotalEnergies, and the Cameroonian government, which has facilitated benefits under the 2025 finance law, such as excise duty exemptions and significant tax reductions on electric vehicles.
Transitioning from fuel-powered mototaxis to electric models presents substantial cost savings for drivers. Currently, a conventional mototaxi driver incurs daily fuel expenses of approximately CFA6,000, consuming 8.4 liters of gasoline. This expense drops to an estimated CFA1,600 per day with an electric motorcycle, yielding a daily savings of CFA4,400, which totals CFA114,400 over 26 working days. Furthermore, maintenance costs are reduced as electric motorcycles do not require oil changes.
In addition to cost benefits, this initiative will contribute to decreased transportation fares for passengers and reduced environmental pollution. With mototaxis accounting for 61% of all trips in Douala, Bee Group aims to foster a sustainable movement in urban transportation. Future plans also include extending the project to other African nations, emphasizing innovation, job creation, and environmental stewardship.
In summary, Bee Group’s investment in introducing Tembo electric motorcycles to Cameroon represents a significant step towards enhancing urban mobility. The project’s financial implications for drivers, coupled with environmental benefits, affirm its potential impact. As local production becomes a reality, the initiative will likely create jobs and promote sustainable transportation solutions throughout Cameroon and beyond.
Original Source: www.businessincameroon.com
