Africa’s electric vehicle (EV) market is gaining momentum, with a projected value of $15.8 billion in 2024 and $25.4 billion by 2029, according to Mordor Intelligence. African countries with significant EV adoption rates, including South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, Egypt, Ethiopia, Angola, Tanzania, among others, have set their mark already in this space.
Botswana recently joined the tribe when it launched its first locally assembled electric vehicles in Gaborone, highlighting the increasing demand for electric vehicles across the continent.
Trailing right behind is Burkina Faso, which launched its first 100% home-made electric vehicle, ITAOUA. It was designed and manufactured by Burkinabe engineers at a state-of-the-art facility in Ouaga 2000, a popular residential area in Burkina Faso. With this action, an important turning point in the nation’s shift to sustainable mobility has been reached.
What is the ITAOUA all about?
Burkina Faso said, ‘No more fuel dependency, let’s just add a little bit of tech to our sun!’ And they did just that. The ITAOUA is 100 per cent electric and also solar-powered. This does not just make it eco-friendly, but ideal for Burkina Faso’s sunny climate.
Burkina Faso said, ‘No more fuel dependency, let’s just add a little bit of tech to our sun!’ And they did just that. The ITAOUA is 100 per cent electric and also solar-powered. This does not just make it eco-friendly, but ideal for Burkina Faso’s sunny climate.
The design and manufacturing of the ITAOUA were done by Burkinabe engineers using local resources, showcasing the country’s growing capabilities in the automotive sector.
Speaking on the new development, the manufacturer emphasised that the ITAOUA EV was built with efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in mind. ‘The ITAOUA electric vehicle is designed to provide a sustainable mobility solution, reducing dependence on fossil fuels while promoting clean energy alternatives in Africa,’ said the manufacturer.
Burkina Faso is now recognized as a major player in green technology as the world continues its transition to sustainable energy.
Economic and environmental impact
Beyond just improving transportation, the introduction of ITAOUA’s electric vehicle is anticipated to have a significant economic impact on Burkina Faso. It will support the nation’s economic growth by creating thousands of employment in the manufacturing, sales, maintenance, and renewable energy sectors. Burkina Faso is also lowering its carbon impact and preserving its foreign exchange reserves by lowering its reliance on imported automobiles and fossil fuels.
Advanced features like GPS navigation, Bluetooth, and solar charging are included in the company’s models, like the “Native” and “Sahel,” which indicate a change in the way the world views African manufacturing.
This native electric vehicle is more than just a technological marvel; it represents optimism, development, and Burkina Faso’s promising future. The invention of ITAOUA encourages other nations to embrace sustainability and support local talent in addition to the country itself.
