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The journey to the electrification of mobility is full of ups and downs for even older players in the market, including Tesla which was once on the verge of bankruptcy.
It’s normal, an almost everyday tale in the auto industry, companies gush into making electric vehicles, and they often hit snags before getting things right, such is the case with Agilitee.
From facing obstacles in South Africa imposed by a small yet influential group connected to the architects of the Apartheid system, Agilitee has triumphed to the point of successfully deploying its vehicles nationwide.
Now recognized as the 207th largest Electric Vehicles Manufacturer globally, Agilitee’s journey serves as a source of inspiration for many across Africa. The company recently disclosed a strategic collaboration with Innobuild Motors Limited, a subsidiary of Innobuild Group.
Innobuild Group, renowned for its property development arm Innobuild (Pty) Ltd, is led by the prominent Malawian business figure Billy Chiwotha and the London-based entrepreneur Tendai Nheta.
“Innobuild Malawi is delighted to announce the signing of a groundbreaking agreement with Africa’s leading EV Manufacturer, Agilitee, to enter the Electric Vehicles (EV) space. We are proud to play a significant and a fundamental part in uplifting the welfare for locals through provision of creative services and products. Today, we have signed a landmark partnership that will completely transform the transport sector in Malawi,” said Billy Chiwotha, CEO Innobuild Limited.
According to the firms, the collaborative efforts between Innobuild and Agilitee Africa are poised to significantly enhance the lives of Malawians throughout the entire country by promoting the use of sustainable and effective means of transport.
Electric Vehicles (EVs) introduced through this partnership promise extensive benefits, including cost-efficient transportation, reduced pollution, and the creation of new job opportunities in Malawi once production commences.
“The Innobuild family takes immense pride in propelling Malawi to become a producer, not just a user, in the global race of EVs. This strategic move aligns seamlessly with the objectives of Agenda 2063, reinforcing our commitment to supporting the government’s developmental goals,” dded Chiwotha.
“Today’s announcement is a significant development for Agilitee as we change and simplify the way we travel to better serve Africa and drive growth in a way that protects the environment and sustains the longevity of mother earth. As leaders of EV in Africa, we are always looking for opportunities to expand our reach so that our innovations can change more lives on a daily basis,” said Agilitee, Head of Partnerships, Fredrick Muteti also said,
The Agilitee and Innobuild partnership will birth Agilitee Malawi Limited and through Agilitee Malawi, Agilitee will build a $100 million Industrial Park that will manufacture and assemble Agilitee Evs and those of Agilitee partners from Asia and the United States of America. The park will have a plant that can produce 200 000 electric vehicles per year.
Agilitee recently announced that it plans to roll out 50 000 electric scooters in Africa by the end of 2024, and Malawi is one of the countries earmarked for this rollout. This would mean that the electric scooters that Malawi will roll out this year will be locally assembled, which means a great deal of job creation for Malawians.
Read Also: Agilitee continues to lead the EV Revolution in Africa
Agilitee’s relocation to Malawi is anticipated to bolster the country’s economy and position it as a leading hub for electric vehicle manufacturing in Africa. Agilitee will be unveiling its latest models in Malawi—Agilitee LoadMo, Agilitee Loadfast, and Agilitee Loadbug. Notably, Agilitee’s initial vehicles, the Agilitee LoadeX, Agilitee RTF, and the Agilitee Wild Grace, will not be included in the lineup of Agilitee vehicles on Malawian roads.
As Africa’s pioneer in electric vehicle manufacturing, Agilitee had a successful year previously and appears poised to make a global impact. Its entry into Malawi reflects a significant stride towards fostering environmental sustainability and curtailing carbon emissions in the region.
The introduction of electric vehicles and green technology by Agilitee is expected to revolutionize commuting habits, contributing to the country’s endeavors in combating climate change. By providing eco-friendly transportation alternatives, the company is paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future for the people of Malawi.
Agilitee Africa’s presence in Malawi signifies a pivotal moment in the country’s pursuit of sustainable development and technological progress. The company’s involvement is poised to invigorate economic growth by generating employment opportunities, supporting local suppliers, and cultivating a culture of innovation and sustainability.
By introducing electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, and green technology, the company is set to shape the future of transportation and environmental conservation in Malawi, paving the way for a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous society.
Founded by South African billionaire Mandla Lamba in 2018, Agilitee is also expanding into the Indonesian market in the first quarter of 2024 and this will be the third country in Asia where Agilitee has decided to build its presence. Agilitee became a public company in South Africa in 2022, after which the founder donated over 150 million of his personal founders shares to almost 2000 families who are known as Agilitians. The over 150 million shares represent a little over 15% of Agilitee’s total issued share capital 1 billion shares.