The 2024 Ashden Awards

This includes a big effort to help its engineers and technicians get to grips with new sustainable technology. Courses cover how to safely convert bikes to an electric power supply, and how to maintain the bikes and their batteries. Many trainees are employed at the company’s swap stations, where self-employed electric motorbike drivers can quickly switch run-down batteries for a fully charged replacement.

The company also offers a detailed training programme for its managers, to help them succeed in this fast-evolving sector. Drivers of the bikes are not go staff, but the company offers them training too. This covers the technical features of the bikes they lease from Gogo, but also financial literacy, so they can take out and manage the affordable loan needed to get access to the bikes.

The company is committed to supporting women into the workforce. Practical steps include recruiting woman trainers to inspire female trainees, and offering childcare on-site during training sessions.

Many of Gogo’s vehicles are hitting the road in the capital, Kampala, whose streets are used by 1 million motorbikes. The switch to electric vehicles will be a major creator of green jobs in the years ahead.

Why is Ashden boosting this solution?

Gogo’s enormous ambition impressed our staff and judges. The company aims to quickly boosts its impact by working in partnership, and is looking to expand across Africa.

Its inclusive approach to training and career development sets it apart from others too. Across the renewable energy sector, the shortage of women in technical and managerial roles is a major problem. Without change, a just transition to a sustainable future is impossible. A pro-active approach – like the one taken by Gogo Electric – is essential.

For more information on GoGo Electric, click here.

Check out the rest of our fantastic winners from the 2024 Ashden Awards here.