In a pioneering move, electric mobility company Spiro has unveiled Africa’s first all-women electric vehicle (EV) assembly line. The initiative, launched in Togo, marks a significant step in tackling gender disparity within the tech and manufacturing sectors while promoting sustainable transportation.
Breaking Barriers in Tech and Mobility
Founded in 2019, Spiro has rapidly expanded its presence across six African countries: Nigeria, Togo, Benin, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. With a core mission of reducing reliance on fossil fuels, the company has positioned itself at the forefront of Africa’s electric mobility revolution. This ambition was further reinforced through a $50 million debt financing agreement with Afrimexbank.
By introducing an all-women assembly line, Spiro is not just advancing clean energy solutions—it is challenging industry norms in a field where women remain significantly underrepresented.
A report by Madica highlights the gender imbalance in Africa’s tech ecosystem, revealing that only 9.6% of 2,395 African tech startups have female CEOs. Similarly, a Harvard policy brief stresses the need for targeted strategies to foster gender inclusivity, arguing that increasing female leadership can create a talent pipeline across the sector.
The Wider Impact of Gender-Inclusive Manufacturing
Spiro’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) reflects a growing recognition that diverse teams drive innovation. By integrating more women into the workforce, the company is setting a precedent for other firms to tap into an underutilised talent pool.
The Togo-based assembly line is expected to inspire similar initiatives across Africa, reinforcing the economic empowerment of women while equipping them with critical skills for the future.
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