Senegal-based startup Solarbox is spearheading the electric vehicle (EV) revolution across West Africa, offering solar-powered motorcycles, tricycles, and light trucks. The company’s unique approach addresses key challenges hindering EV adoption in the region—lack of charging infrastructure, high import taxes, and limited financing options.
Founded in 2022 by Tijan Watt (who also co-founded venture capital firm Wuri Ventures), Solarbox has integrated solar energy directly into its business model. Rather than waiting for grid improvements or government incentives, the company provides complete mobility solutions powered by renewable sources—a long-term vision that aligns with Senegal’s potential as a solar powerhouse.
The country boasts some of the world’s highest solar irradiance levels and is actively working to diversify its energy mix away from fossil fuels, which currently supply about 65% of electricity generation. Solarbox aims to capitalize on this abundant resource while addressing affordability concerns that have limited EV adoption in the past.
With a $1 million pre-seed funding round supported by investors like the Digital Energy Facility (backed by French development agency AFD) and Launch Africa Ventures, Solarbox is positioned to scale its operations and expand across the region. The company’s focus on solar integration represents a significant departure from conventional EV approaches and could serve as a blueprint for sustainable mobility solutions in other African markets.