Spiro launches Africa’s first all-women EV assembly

The news: 

• Spiro introduces Africa’s first all-women EV assembly line in Togo.
• The initiative aims to empower women in the traditionally male-dominated tech manufacturing sector.
• This move aligns with broader efforts to achieve gender parity in Africa’s tech industries.
• Spiro plans to expand its operations across multiple African countries, including Nigeria and Kenya.

Founded in 2019, Spiro has rapidly expanded its footprint across six African nations: Nigeria, Togo, Benin, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.

The company, which signed a $50 million debt financing agreement with Afrimexbank, has a mission which centres on reducing the continent’s reliance on fossil fuels by promoting electric mobility solutions.

By introducing an all-women assembly line, Spiro not only advances sustainable transportation but also challenges the status quo in a sector where women have been historically under-represented.

The gender gap in Africa’s tech ecosystem remains pronounced. According to a report by Madica, only 9.6% of 2,395 African tech startups have a female CEO. Initiatives like Spiro’s are pivotal in addressing these disparities, providing women with opportunities to lead and innovate in emerging industries.

Moreover, a policy brief from Harvard underscores the necessity of specific policies to foster a gender-inclusive tech sector, emphasising that representation in leadership roles can create a pipeline of female talent throughout the industry.

Spiro’s commitment to gender inclusivity is part of a broader strategy to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within its corporate framework. This approach not only enhances innovation but also reflects a comprehensive understanding of the diverse markets that Spiro serves.

The establishment of the all-women assembly line in Togo is expected to have a ripple effect across the region. It serves as a beacon for other companies to recognise the untapped potential of women in tech manufacturing and to implement similar initiatives.

Furthermore, it contributes to the economic empowerment of women, providing them with the skills and opportunities necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.

By bridging the skills gap and promoting gender diversity, Spiro exemplifies how businesses can drive social change while advancing technological innovation.

Spiro’s launch of Africa’s first all-women EV assembly line in Togo represents a groundbreaking step toward gender inclusivity in tech manufacturing. This initiative not only challenges traditional industry norms but also paves the way for a more equitable and sustainable future in Africa’s burgeoning electric vehicle sector.