Siemens has recently announced five African social enterprises that emerge winners of its Siemens Stiftung competition in the field of electric mobility.
The 5 winners will receive prize money ranging from €10,000 to €50,000. The Siemens Stiftung competition aims to empower the winners to channel the prize money to expanding their services, product development and attaining a wider market presence.
Over 100 applications were received for the Siemens Stiftung competition from 19 African countries.
Speaking on the competition, Rolf Huber, Managing Director of Siemens Stiftung and initiator of the electric mobility program:
“The large number and scope of the applications submitted show the huge social and economic potential of innovative technical solutions related to electric mobility. We are convinced that local approaches create better access to basic services while creating permanent jobs – especially in rural areas,”
Marah Köberle, who is charge of electric mobility at Siemens Stiftung, adds, “We support the growth of social enterprises and are committed to closing financing gaps in the electric mobility sector in the process. Access to financing is an issue for all social enterprises, but in Africa it is often even more difficult. I’m excited to welcome the start-ups to our e-mobility network.”
Here are the winners:
ThinkBikes Ltd. (Nigeria)
ThinkBikes Ltd.’s solutions are locally produced and innovative electric bicycles, including a rental system for school institutions and universities that introduces the topic of electric mobility to a younger generation.
Solar Taxi Ltd. (Ghana)
The Ghanaian startup produces electric-powered small vehicles (from electric motorcycles to mini-cars) for courier and cab services. The batteries needed are produced locally, and Solar Taxi is actively researching reuse and sustainable recycling. The start-up’s engineering team is made up of women.
Greenfoot Africa Ltd. (Tanzania)
Greenfoot Africa Ltd. is a marketplace app for perishable food – a solution that enables local traders to deliver their goods directly to customers using e-motorcycles that are efficient and cost-effective.
MicroMek Ltd. (Malawi)
MicroMek provides 3-D printed drones made from local recycled materials. The drones are used to transport essential medicines for women and children in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
BEAM Sarl (Burkina Faso)
Based in Burkina Faso, this mobile solar-powered platform facilitates agricultural work such as plowing, pumping, or carrying loads for people in rural communities, which helps increase crop yield and income.
Each winner will present their electric mobility solutions at the next event in Siemens Stiftung’s virtual discussion series, “Spotlight On…”, which continues on September 23, 2021.
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