Ampersand, a pioneering electric vehicle company in East Africa, has expanded its Nairobi manufacturing capacity to triple its previous size, positioning itself to meet the region’s rising demand for electric motorcycles. Founded in 2016, Ampersand produces and finances e-motorcycles that are not only more affordable and efficient to operate but also more environmentally friendly than the estimated five million petrol-powered motorcycle taxis widely used across East Africa.
Since the company’s commercial debut in May 2019, Ampersand’s fleet has grown to over 3,400 motorcycles, with a target to exceed 10,000 by late 2024. In the past year alone, the company has attracted $21.5 million in funding to fuel its expansion.
The newly expanded Nairobi facility, now covering 21,000 square meters—over three times its former 6,500 square meters—allows Ampersand to assemble up to 60 e-motorcycles daily, or 1,440 monthly. With over 100 staff members at this location, the factory also serves as a base for Ampersand’s well-established battery swap network, designed for Kenya’s extensive population of commercial motorcycle operators.
Ampersand’s expanded Nairobi operations aim to address the country’s growing appetite for electric motorcycles, with over 1,100 Ampersand e-motos already on Kenyan roads. The company views this facility upgrade as part of its broader strategy to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles across East Africa, building on the success of its Rwandan operations.
“Our new Nairobi factory is a significant milestone in scaling our impact,” said Josh Whale, Ampersand’s CEO. “This expansion highlights our commitment to delivering sustainable and affordable electric mobility solutions that directly benefit riders and the environment. With increased capacity, Ampersand is better equipped to lead the electrification of commercial motorcycle transport across Africa and to amplify our proven business model.”
