Every day, around 25,000 diesel-powered boats are found on Lake Victoria. The Dutch startup Asobo has installed electric motors on fishing boats in Mbita, Kenya to reduce the pollution. These ‘e-boats’ are the first of their kind on Africa’s largest lake.
The project operates on a lease-based basis. The fishermen rent the motor for the equivalent of under 40 per month, and also pay around 150 per month for the daily recharging of the batteries. Asobo provides repair support for fishermen.
The pandemic has slowed down the startup, but the company has so far been able to convince around 15 fishermen to convert. Asobo’s goal is to eliminate at least 5,000 diesel engines in the next 5 years and equip more boats with e-motors.
Project goal: The program supports private investment in climate friendly technologies worldwide in order to promote a climate neutral economy in developing and emerging countries. This program promotes projects that are focused on the transfer and sustainable use of technology.
Project duration: December 2019 – June 2022
Project budget: There are just under 5 million total. The program is being implemented across 16 countries, six of them in Africa. The startup Asobo in Kenya has received around 197,000. Asobo receives support from the German Federal Ministry for the Environment. International Climate Initiative (IKI). through its Climate Partnership Programme III.
Project partners: Persistent (Climate Venture Builder), Shell, Total, Vitol Foundation, E Waver, Stichting Doen, FMO Entrepreneurial Development Bank.
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