Kenya: Electric boats for Lake Victoria
Around 25,000 diesel-powered boats can be found on Lake Victoria every day. To curb the rising pollution this brings, Dutch startup Asobo is equipping fishing boats with electric motors in the Kenyan fishing village of Mbita. These 'e-boats' are the first of their kind on Africa's largest lake.
The project works on a lease-based model. The fishermen rent the motor for the equivalent of under €40 per month, and also pay around €150 per month for the daily recharging of the batteries. The fishermen can also use the repair support Asobo offers.
The pandemic has slowed down the startup, but the company has so far been able to convince around 15 fishermen to convert. Asobo's goal is to eliminate at least 5,000 diesel engines in the next 5 years and equip more boats with e-motors.
Asobo's project is funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) through the Climate Partnership Programme III. The programme supports private investments in climate-friendly technologies worldwide to promote a climate-neutral economy in emerging and developing countries. Projects based on knowledge transfer for the sustainable use of technology are promoted.
A film by Julia Mielke
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Information
Language
English
Length
7:03 Min
Date of publication
2022
Country
Kenya
Project
Climate Partnership Programme III
Global Ideas
