Siemens announced the five African social enterprises that emerged winners of its Siemens Stiftung competition in the field of electric mobility. The 5 winners are set to receive prize money ranging from €10,000 to €50,000. The Siemens Stiftung competition aims to empower the winners to further develop their products. With the prize money, the winners can expanding their services and attain a wider market presence.
Over 100 entries from 19 African countries were received for the Siemens Stiftung competition. Speaking on the competition, Rolf Huber, Managing Director of Siemens Stiftung and initiator of the electric mobility program said:
“The large number and scope of the applications submitted show the huge social and economic potential of innovative technical solutions related to electric mobility. We are convinced that local approaches create better access to basic services while creating permanent jobs – especially in rural areas,”
Marah Köberle, who is charge of electric mobility at Siemens Stiftung, adds, “We support the growth of social enterprises and are committed to closing financing gaps in the electric mobility sector in the process. Access to financing is an issue for all social enterprises, but in Africa it is often even more difficult. I’m excited to welcome the start-ups to our e-mobility network.”
Below is the list of Siemens Stiftung competition Winners from Africa.
- ThinkBikes Ltd. (Nigeria) – Affordable locally made electric bicycles
- Solar Taxi Ltd. (Ghana) – Produces small electric powered vehicles using locally made batteries
- Greenfoot Africa Ltd. (Tanzania) – Marketplace for perishable goods that allows local traders transport goods to their consumers affordably.
- MicroMek Ltd. (Malawi) – Makes 3D printed drones from local materials and these drones help to transport essential medicines to women and children in hard to reach areas.
- BEAM Sarl (Burkina Faso) – Solar powered platform that supports agricultural works and helps farmers in rural Malawi increase their crop yields.
The next round of presentations is set for September 23, 2021 where the winners will present their solutions in the Siemen Stiftung’s virtual discussion series.
