Togolese startup PickApp is preparing to shake up the country’s transportation landscape with the pilot launch of its electric vehicle (EV) ownership and ride-sharing platform in Lomé. Established in 2023 by siblings Joseph, Joshua, and Rebecca Olurin, the venture aims to make electric mobility accessible to ordinary citizens while addressing the pressing environmental challenges of the region.
PickApp offers a versatile range of services designed to simplify EV adoption. Through its platform, drivers can purchase electric vehicles on a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) model, making ownership more affordable. The app also facilitates eco-friendly ride-sharing, allowing users to book rides while promoting sustainability.
Beyond these core services, PickApp is laying the groundwork for a robust electric mobility ecosystem by deploying charging stations at strategic locations across Togo. CEO Joseph Olurin explained that the app integrates multiple features, from car-sharing to locating and paying for charging facilities. “Our app not only supports car and ride-sharing services but also enables drivers and the public to locate, reserve, and pay for EV charging, making it a one-stop solution for electric mobility,” he said.
As the startup prepares to launch its pilot phase in Lomé, its ambitions stretch far beyond Togo’s capital. By 2030, PickApp aims to introduce 1,000 electric vehicles to the market and expand its services to major cities across Africa. This initiative is part of a larger vision to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and lower the region’s overall carbon footprint.
Olurin highlighted the platform’s broader impact, stating, “Our project not only focuses on environmental sustainability but also addresses social issues like youth unemployment and poverty alleviation by creating numerous jobs in the process.” The platform is not just about green transportation; it also represents an opportunity for economic empowerment through job creation and localised business development.
Driving Africa’s EV Revolution
PickApp’s pilot programme in Lomé will serve as a testing ground to refine its services and gather insights to strengthen its offerings. By making EVs more accessible and providing the necessary charging infrastructure, the startup is playing a critical role in advancing electric mobility across West Africa.
With plans to scale its operations across the continent, PickApp’s initiative could serve as a model for other African cities aiming to adopt sustainable transportation solutions. As Olurin emphasised, “By helping more people access electric vehicles and installing essential charging infrastructure, PickApp is driving Africa’s EV revolution while addressing the region’s environmental and socio-economic challenges.”
