Sky Energy Africa, a Malawian-owned renewable energy technology company, has invested K15 billion in electric vehicle (EV) technologies to enhance mobility in the country. The company, which introduced EVs in Malawi in 2023, recently celebrated its 10th anniversary by unveiling three interconnected technological solutions. These include an initial fleet of 100 Geely EX2 EVs, a nationwide network of 40 public EV charging stations, and Sky Ride—a digital mobility and fleet management platform.
The launch event, held at Malawi Square in Umodzi Park in Lilongwe, was attended by various stakeholders, including Environmental Advocate and Malawi 2063 Environmental Sustainability Champion Matthews Malata. Sky Energy Africa founder and managing director Schizzo Thomson stated that the initiative represents the next phase of the company’s long-term vision to accelerate Malawi’s transition towards sustainable energy and transportation. He emphasized that the company is developing an integrated ecosystem where electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, and digital technology operate together.
The development of the EV ecosystem comes at a critical time when motorists across Malawi have endured lengthy queues at filling stations due to persistent fuel shortages. Thomson mentioned that the demonstration was intended to give the public first-hand experience of the vehicles and appreciate their potential as an alternative mode of transport. He expressed confidence that the project will start serving Malawians by December this year, providing a reliable, affordable, and sustainable transportation alternative.
Unlike conventional EV initiatives that focus solely on vehicle sales, Sky Energy Africa is developing an entire technology-driven mobility ecosystem. This ecosystem integrates vehicles, energy infrastructure, digital payments, real-time monitoring, and intelligent fleet management into one interconnected platform. According to Thomson, the company’s vision is to introduce a new way of thinking about energy, transportation, and the future of the economy.
The Sky Ride platform, modelled along the lines of Uber, is designed to connect passengers, drivers, fleet operators, and businesses through a unified digital platform. Sky Energy Africa business development director Hastings Golosi explained that the infrastructure will be supported by a centralised digital charging management platform capable of monitoring charger availability, energy consumption, and system performance. He added that compatible fast chargers can replenish a substantial portion of an EV battery in approximately 30 minutes.
The investment is expected to create about 300 jobs while helping the country cut its fuel foreign exchange bill and fossil fuel emissions that cause climate change. Environmental Advocate Matthews Malata welcomed the development, stating that it will help reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Coordination Union for the Rehabilitation of the Environment (Cure) executive director Charles Mkoka noted that the country’s perennial fuel shortages demonstrate the economic risks of relying on fossil fuels.
In the first phase of the project, 100 Geely EX2 EVs will officially hit the roads on December 1, 2026, to support urban and intercity mobility services in Blantyre, Lilongwe, Mzuzu, Zomba, and Mangochi. The company has set a rate of K900 per kilometre, and customers can share a ride and costs to various places. The Geely EX2 is a compact, fully electric passenger vehicle designed for efficient urban transportation, with an electric drivetrain that eliminates the need for petrol or diesel.
Key points
- Sky Energy Africa invests K15 billion in electric vehicle technologies, including 100 Geely EX2 EVs and 40 public EV charging stations.
- The company introduces Sky Ride, a digital mobility and fleet management platform designed to revolutionise passenger transportation.
- The project aims to create 300 jobs, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and cut Malawi’s fuel foreign exchange bill.
