Spiro, in partnership with Entrepreneurial Solutions Partners (ESP), has initiated a 12-month training program for 50 women in Rwanda to become electric motorcycle riders. The program, which commenced recently, aims to equip participants with skills in motorcycle riding, road safety, financial literacy, and business management. This initiative seeks to empower women to enter the electric mobility business, addressing the underrepresentation of women in Rwanda's transport sector.
The training program is part of a larger initiative to enrol 500 women in Rwanda and eventually reach 5,000 women across Africa by 2030. Participants will have access to financing options, including lease-to-own arrangements, to help them acquire electric motorcycles. Additionally, they will be linked to ride-hailing, delivery, and logistics platforms to facilitate their integration into the workforce.
According to a 2025 study conducted in Kigali, 47.7% of women surveyed expressed interest in working as motorcycle taxi drivers. However, women currently account for only about 4% of workers in Rwanda's transport sector. The program aims to bridge this gap by providing women with the necessary skills and support to succeed in the industry.
Rwanda was chosen as the initial location for the program due to Spiro's existing presence in the country, with motorcycle assembly facilities and battery-swapping stations already operational. The partners plan to assess participants' income and business performance before extending the program to other countries where Spiro operates between 2027 and 2030.
Spiro Group Chief Executive Officer Anant Badjatya emphasized that the program would help women enter the electric mobility business. ESP chief executive Eric Kacou noted that participants would require access to financing, customers, and business skills to run their businesses successfully.
The program's design addresses the specific needs of women in Rwanda's transport sector, providing a comprehensive approach to training and support. By offering financing options and linking participants to job opportunities, the program aims to create a sustainable and scalable model for women's empowerment in the electric mobility sector.
The partnership between Spiro and ESP reflects a commitment to promoting women's economic empowerment and addressing the underrepresentation of women in Rwanda's transport sector. As the program progresses, it will be closely watched for its impact on the lives of the women involved and the broader implications for the electric mobility industry in Africa.
Key points
- Spiro and ESP aim to enrol 500 women in Rwanda and 5,000 women across Africa by 2030.
- The program provides comprehensive training and support, including financing options and job opportunities.
- Rwanda was chosen for the initial program due to Spiro's existing presence in the country.
