Senegal-based startup Solarbox Africa, specializing in e-mobility and energy solutions, has successfully closed a US$1 million pre-seed funding round. This funding will enable the company to meet the growing demand for its solar-powered electric vehicles (EVs) in Senegal and the broader West African region.
Founded in 2022 by Tijan Watt and incubated under Wuri Ventures, Solarbox Africa focuses on designing, assembling, and deploying light electric vehicles, including two- and three-wheelers, specifically tailored for corporate clients. The startup integrates solar charging systems, flexible financing models, and fleet management solutions into its offerings, catering to businesses seeking sustainable transportation alternatives.
The US$1 million pre-seed funding round was led by a consortium of investors, including Digital Energy Facility—a collaboration between Agence Française de Développement (AFD), IetP, and Gaia Impact Fund—alongside Launch Africa Ventures, JLL Foundation, and Teranga Capital.
Solarbox Africa plans to utilize the pre-seed funding to scale production, deepen its market presence in Senegal, and explore opportunities in neighboring countries. This strategic expansion aims to address the significant transportation and energy challenges in the region.
Tijan Watt, co-founder of Solarbox Africa, highlighted the transformative potential of solar-powered mobility, stating;
Instead of importing millions of tonnes of petroleum annually, Senegal can harness its abundant sunlight. With transportation accounting for 40 percent of Africa’s energy needs and over US$40 billion in fuel imports annually, solar-powered mobility offers a transformative opportunity.
With this funding, Solarbox Africa is poised to make a significant impact on the e-mobility landscape in West Africa, promoting sustainable and efficient transportation solutions.
