A Ghanaian-English entrepreneur has pioneered a groundbreaking solution to short-range transportation challenges in her homeland by creating an electric bike entirely from scratch. This innovation underscores the potential for homegrown problem-solving in Africa by Africans.
Operating under the banner of her company, Wahu!, each bike is meticulously assembled by hand, boasting an impressive range of up to 80 miles on a single charge. This capability empowers delivery riders for platforms like Glovo or Bolt to navigate through their entire workday without the need for frequent refueling stops.
Anyone who has experienced Accra, Ghana, during the dry season can attest to the pervasive issue of poor air quality. Inadequate road infrastructure forces vehicles into lower gears, resulting in increased emissions. Furthermore, the combination of exposed dirt and minimal rainfall contributes to the proliferation of fine-grained dust, exacerbating air pollution levels. In certain areas of the capital, this toxic mix renders the air hazardous to human health.
Wahu! bikes emerge as a multifaceted solution to these pressing environmental concerns. Despite the entrepreneur’s English background and education, the bikes were conceptualized, designed, and manufactured entirely in Spintex, Accra. This exemplifies the potential for localized innovation to address regional challenges effectively, ultimately fostering sustainable progress within the African context.
“By introducing electric bikes into Ghana’s transportation ecosystem, we’re not only providing a greener alternative but also offering speed and convenience,” Labi said when speaking to The Mirror. “Our bikes are a testament to how service delivery can be seamlessly merged with environmental conservation.”
Valerie Labi epitomizes inspiration, branching from her roots in sanitation to her current success in the transportation industry. Her journey in the Ghanaian economy began with a profound impact in sanitation, laying a foundation for her entrepreneurial endeavors. Recognized for her contributions, she holds the esteemed title of Gundugu Sabtanaa, bestowed upon her by the former Chief of the Dagbon traditional area in Ghana’s Northern Region.
Beyond her professional achievements, Valerie Labi’s personal life reflects her dynamic spirit. A devoted mother of three, she balances her family responsibilities with her academic pursuits. Graduating with a double major in Economics and Sustainability from two prestigious universities, she embodies the fusion of intellect and passion for environmental stewardship.
Valerie’s thirst for exploration extends beyond borders, as evidenced by her extensive travels to 59 countries. Each journey enriches her perspective, fueling her drive for innovation and global engagement. Valerie Labi’s story is not just one of success but of resilience, vision, and a commitment to making a difference in her community and beyond.
Originating from Northern Ghana, she established the social enterprise Sama Sama, a pioneering mobile toilet and sanitation firm which currently serves 300,000 clients.
While journeying through the compact, heavily inhabited nation, she discerned that transportation posed not just a challenge, but also held promise for environmentally sustainable solutions.
“It took us two years to effectively design a bike that we thought was fit for the African road, then we connected with Jumia and other delivery companies to get started,” she further told The Mirror. “Currently, I have over 100 bikes in circulation and we give the bikes on a ‘work and pay’ basis directly to delivery riders.”
Labi explains that every driver invests roughly 300 Ghana cedis, equivalent to approximately $24.00, on a weekly basis to access the bike service. These bikes boast a speed capability of 24 miles per hour and can accommodate over 300 pounds of weight, thanks to their sturdy design with fat tires and double-crown front/double-spring rear suspension.
Furthermore, the company ensures the security of these bikes through its exclusive anti-theft system, equipped with trackers. This system has proven highly effective, as only one bike has been reported stolen thus far, and it was swiftly recovered and returned to its rightful owner.
What are your thoughts? Please comment below and share this news!
True Activist / Report a typo
