Bee Group Invests CFA610 Million to Launch Electric Motorcycles in Cameroon

Bee Group is investing CFA610 million to launch an electric motorcycle project in Cameroon, in partnership with Tembo Electronical Technology. Starting in July 2025, the pilot phase will deploy 40 motorcycles across four cities, aiming to reduce transportation costs and pollution while creating local jobs. After the pilot, the plan includes importing more motorcycles and local production by 2026.

Bee Group, a company focused on urban mobility and freight delivery, has announced a partnership with Chinese manufacturer Tembo Electronical Technology to implement an innovative electric mobility project in Cameroon. The pilot phase will commence in July 2025 with a budget of $1 million (approximately CFA610 million), featuring the introduction of 40 electric motorcycles and accompanying charging stations.

Beginning in June 2025, Bee Group will deploy 40 electric motorcycles, each equipped with four batteries, across four cities: Douala, Yaoundé, Bertoua, and Bafoussam, with 10 motorcycles assigned per city. Patrick Timani, CEO and co-founder of Bee Group, stated, “Each motorcycle, priced at around CFA600,000, will have two batteries in use while the other two recharge in stations set up at TotalEnergies and Ola Energy locations.” Each charging station will be designed to hold 12 batteries, ensuring uninterrupted energy supply.

Following the initial test phase, Bee Group intends to import an additional 100 motorcycles and aims to initiate local production by 2026. Timani emphasized the project’s dual objective: “We want to create local jobs, lower import costs, and transfer technology to Cameroon.” This strategic project has garnered support from key stakeholders, including 3S Motors, TotalEnergies, and the Cameroonian government.

According to the 2025 finance law, electric vehicles will benefit from an exemption on the excise duty, previously set at 12.5%. Additionally, a 50% tax reduction is applicable to new motorcycles, batteries, and charging stations for the upcoming 24 months. Transitioning from traditional fuel-powered mototaxis to electric alternatives promises substantial savings for drivers; current fuel costs are about CFA6,000 daily, while electric motorcycles would reduce this to approximately CFA1,600, yielding daily savings of CFA4,400.

Over 26 working days, this translates to savings of CFA114,400 monthly. Furthermore, maintenance expenses are expected to decrease, as electric motorcycles eliminate the need for oil changes. The initiative not only aims to provide financial benefits but also seeks to lower transport fares and reduce environmental pollution. Given that mototaxis represent 61% of all trips in Douala, Bee Group is poised to catalyze a sustainable transformation in urban mobility.

Upon successful implementation in Cameroon, the company plans to extend the project to other African nations, effectively merging innovation with job creation and environmental stewardship.

In summary, Bee Group is pioneering an electric mobility initiative in Cameroon, collaborating with Tembo Electronical Technology to introduce electric motorcycles and charging stations. This project promises significant cost savings for drivers, reduced maintenance expenses, environmental benefits, and potential job creation in the local economy. Supported by government regulations that favor electric vehicles, the initiative reflects a commitment to sustainable urban transport solutions and plans for broader regional expansion.

Original Source: www.businessincameroon.com