Royal Holding, Mamoni Finance, and Savana Islamic Finance have signed an agreement to lease 150 electric motorcycles, supplied by an Indian distributor. The partnership with Savana Islamic Finance ensures interest-free financing, aligning with Islamic finance principles based on risk-sharing.
The motorcycles, intended for use as ride-hailing taxis, will be deployed in Douala. Users can access the service via a mobile application. Three charging stations are initially planned. The first is already operational at the startup’s headquarters, and a second is currently being installed. The daily charging cost is set at 1,500 CFA francs, offering an average range of 80 kilometers.
This initiative coincides with the gradual rise of electric vehicles in Cameroon. According to data from Business in Cameroon, approximately 500 electric motorcycles were in circulation across the country at the start of 2024, primarily in major cities like Douala and Yaoundé. This still-developing segment is attracting increasing interest from young entrepreneurs, driven by low maintenance costs, fuel savings, and reduced carbon emissions.
Favorable Policy Framework
Government incentives also support interest in electric mobility. Since 2023, electric vehicles have benefited from full exemption from import duties and Value Added Tax, making them more affordable. This favorable tax policy has increased the sector’s appeal to both investors and local operators.
In addition to Royal Holding, several other players are active in this emerging market. Kempes Motors, a Cameroonian company, assembles electric motorcycles locally and has already released dozens of units. The company relies on a domestic value chain and emphasizes job creation and training.
SolarKoodo, another startup, offers off-grid solar-charged motorcycles, primarily targeting rural areas. It has already launched a pilot project in northern Cameroon.
In Yaoundé, KemiTech has adopted a rental model, offering electric motorcycles with included charging. Its main clients are young self-employed workers entering the transport sector.
Green Ride Cameroun is currently in a testing phase. It plans to launch a fully electric fleet for urban transport in Douala and Yaoundé, with an integrated mobile payment system.
Meanwhile, Bee Group, in partnership with the Islamic Development Bank, is preparing a large-scale rollout of electric motorcycles across several regions. The project, still in its planning phase, emphasizes an inclusive micro-leasing model designed to expand access to sustainable mobility for low-income populations.
Frank William Biboum, director of Royal Holding, described the initiative as a model of "social innovation, economic performance, and environmental impact." He expressed a commitment to "creating the conditions for shared prosperity" by enabling drivers to become owners over time.
The new fleet will strengthen the startup’s existing operations, which already include 350 active ride-hailing motorcycles in Yaoundé, Douala, and Bafoussam.
L.A