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Agilitee, one of Africa’s pioneering electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers and green technology company, has finalised a significant deal with Guangzhou Thunder International Investment Co Ltd., a major Chinese conglomerate.
This agreement, culminating from an ongoing visit by the company to China, promises to inject thousands of electric scooters into South Africa and expand Agilitee’s reach across the continent, including Zimbabwe.
The centerpiece of the deal is Guangzhou Thunder’s commitment to provide 40,000 electric scooters to South Africa over four years, with 10,000 units delivered annually. This initiative is designed as a societal project, aiming to create economic opportunities and address unemployment.
Furthermore, Guangzhou Thunder has pledged to extend its support to other African nations where Agilitee operates, including Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Ghana and Lesotho. Agilitee’s innovative delivery platform, Emergen8, will play a crucial role in this project.
The platform enables individuals to purchase Agilitee scooters and integrate them into a delivery program, generating income and creating jobs.
This model has proven particularly beneficial for the unemployed, providing a vital source of income, and for those employed, offering supplementary earnings. Dr Mandla Lamba, the founding CEO of Agilitee, conceptualised this initiative after observing the potential of electric scooters in the food delivery sector.
Recognising the economic challenges faced by many Africans, including hyperinflation and job losses, Dr Lamba sought a partner who understood the need for accessible and sustainable solutions. “It had to be a partner who would understand that our people need help,” Dr Lamba stated from China.
“A partner who would understand what it means for Africans to experience the drumbeat of hyperinflation and yet still not get salary increases and being laid off work.”
The agreement includes flexible repayment terms, ranging from 12 to 36 months, allowing individuals to own scooters through installments funded by their earnings from the delivery program.
This eliminates the need for upfront cash payments, making ownership more attainable. In addition to the scooter deal, Guangzhou Thunder and Agilitee have established Explore Group Africa, a joint venture that will be headquartered in South Africa.
Guangzhou Thunder will hold a 65 percent majority stake, while Agilitee will retain a 35 percent minority interest. The joint venture will establish a manufacturing and assembly plant in South Africa, creating jobs and bolstering local production of electric scooters for the African market.
A shipment of 350 semi-assembled scooters is expected to arrive in South Africa by the second week of May, coinciding with a visit from a Chinese delegation to finalise plant setup and location selection. Agilitee’s journey has been marked by resilience, particularly in the face of racial bias.
The company notably launched its vehicles in Zimbabwe before South Africa, a decision influenced by racist attacks on its CEO. Despite these challenges, Agilitee’s electric scooters have become ubiquitous in South Africa’s delivery sector.
The company has reported an 860 percent increase in revenue this financial year, underscoring its rapid growth and market penetration. “With the support of Guangzhou Thunder, Agilitee is poised for further expansion and innovation in the African EV market,” Dr Lamba said.
