Spiro has launched Africa’s first all-women electric vehicle assembly line in Kenya, marking a major milestone for gender inclusivity in the continent’s manufacturing industry. This initiative challenges traditional norms and aligns with global trends in sustainable mobility.
Globally, women remain underrepresented in industrial manufacturing. While companies like Nissan, Hindustan Zinc, BasiGo, and Stellantis have introduced women-focused initiatives, Africa has lagged. Spiro’s move is a promising step in bridging both gender and technological gaps in the automotive sector.
Africa’s electric vehicle market is expanding, driven by urbanisation, rising fuel costs, and environmental concerns. Reports from the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) project a 25% annual growth in the continent’s EV market, with two- and three-wheelers leading the transition.
The gender gap in industrial employment remains significant. According to UN Women and the World Economic Forum (WEF), women hold less than 30% of industrial jobs in Africa, and female participation in STEM-related manufacturing roles is even lower. Spiro is creating a new model for inclusive industrialsation by establishing an all-female workforce in its assembly line.
The company’s strategy differentiates it from competitors such as Ampersand in Rwanda, Roam in Kenya, and BasiGo, which have been pushing electric mobility in Africa. Spiro’s battery-swapping model eliminates long charging times, increasing efficiency for commercial EV users. While many competitors rely on fixed charging stations, Spiro’s approach is better suited to Africa’s infrastructure challenges. This system aligns with successful global models such as NIO and its battery-swapping networks in China.
Government support and regional expansion will be crucial to Spiro’s success. While the extent of Togo’s EV policies remains unclear, several African nations are introducing tax breaks, import duty waivers, and local manufacturing incentives to attract EV investments. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement is expected to provide Spiro with a streamlined expansion pathway across West Africa, reducing cross-border trade barriers.
Beyond the industry impact, the initiative is transforming lives. Women working in the Spiro assembly plant have a unique opportunity to gain technical skills, financial independence, and leadership roles in a historically male-dominated sector. Their experiences highlight the broader societal impact of gender-inclusive manufacturing.
With its rapid expansion across Nigeria, Togo, Benin, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, Spiro is positioning itself as a leader in Africa’s electric mobility revolution. However, challenges such as policy uncertainties, infrastructure limitations, and market adoption rates remain.
By merging gender inclusivity with sustainable mobility, Spiro is reshaping Africa’s industrial landscape. Its success could inspire more women-led initiatives in high-tech industries and accelerate EV adoption across the continent. As Africa’s electric vehicle ecosystem evolves, Spiro’s model could become a blueprint for inclusive and sustainable manufacturing in emerging markets.
April 2, 2025, 15:20: An earlier version of this post said that the electric vehicle assembly is in Togo. But representatives of the company have clarified that it’s in Kenya. This post has been updated to reflect that.
