When Valerie Labi stood alongside the UK Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Angela Rayner MP, at Wahu Mobility this February, it wasn’t just another high-profile visit. It was a moment that encapsulated the fusion of entrepreneurial resilience, strategic partnerships, and a shared vision for a greener, more connected Africa.

The visit to Wahu was more than a ceremonial engagement; it was a deep dive into the realities of entrepreneurship in African markets and a testament to the transformative power of targeted policy environments. For Labi, co-founder of Wahu, the moment was deeply personal – her journey from Welwyn Garden City to Accra symbolizes the power of diaspora engagement in shaping Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and global technology transfer collaborations.

A Vision for Sustainable Mobility

Wahu Mobility is not just another electric vehicle company. It is redefining urban transport in Ghana by offering an alternative to traditional motorbikes, which have long been a staple in Africa’s bustling cities but contribute significantly to carbon emissions. Since October 2022, Wahu’s fleet of e-bikes has helped avoid over 231 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions – a milestone that reflects the company’s dedication to sustainability and innovation.

With 33 full-time staff and 300 indirectly supported jobs, Wahu’s impact extends far beyond just vehicles. The company’s model allows riders to purchase e-bikes through affordable monthly installments, making clean mobility accessible while also boosting economic opportunities for delivery riders, mechanics, and battery swap operators.

The Role of UK-Ghana Partnerships

The UK-funded Ghana Jobs and Economic Transformation (JET) Programme aims to drive investment into key manufacturing sectors, including automotive, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. A significant part of this strategy is the partnership between Wahu and the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC), a £130 million battery manufacturing scale-up facility designed to accelerate the development of next-generation battery technologies and facilitate Ghanaians owning battery technology and the intellectual property (IP) behind it.

Through this partnership, Wahu is poised to enhance its battery technology – a critical step in ensuring the long-term success and efficiency of its e-bikes. The visit by the Deputy Prime Minister signaled the UK’s commitment to fostering win-win economic collaborations that benefit both British and Ghanaian businesses.

Valerie Labi: A Trailblazer in African E-Mobility

A Cambridge alumna, Mandela Washington Fellow, and a member of the Harambe Entrepreneur Alliance, Valerie Labi embodies the new wave of African entrepreneurs merging business acumen with social impact. Her leadership at Wahu is driven by a clear mission: to harness technology and innovation to solve real-world challenges.

Labi’s commercial foresight and passion for community engagement have positioned her as a key figure in Africa’s e-mobility revolution. Her ability to navigate both the challenges of African entrepreneurship and the intricacies of international collaboration has been a hallmark of Wahu’s success.

The Future of E-Mobility in Africa

As Africa’s urbanization accelerates, the demand for efficient, sustainable, and affordable transportation solutions will only grow. With continued investment, innovation, and policy support, companies like Wahu are set to reshape mobility across the continent.

For Labi, the Deputy Prime Minister’s visit was not just about recognition; it was a reminder of the power of partnerships in driving systemic change. As she put it, Wahu’s story is a testament to “the strength that comes from embracing our roots and building bridges across continents.”

With Ghana and the UK at the forefront of this collaboration, the future of African mobility is not just electric – it’s boundless.

Wahu Mobility Ltd. is a beneficiary of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's (FCDO) Ghana Jobs and Economic Transformation (JET) Programme. This initiative aims to position Ghana as a prime investment destination in West Africa by supporting investments that generate employment, particularly through UK partnerships. The programme employs three strategic approaches to drive manufacturing transformation and economic growth.

• Policy Development: Address policy constraints and support Ghana’s government through technical assistance and grants to foster manufacturing growth.
• Investment: Identify sustainable investments, facilitate private investments, FDI, technology transfers, and innovation opportunities.
• Ecosystem: Build partnerships, deploy experts for technical assistance, conduct research, and share knowledge through workshops.

Palladium is the implementing partner of the Ghana JET Programme, facilitating collaborations between Ghanaian enterprises like Wahu Mobility and international stakeholders. This partnership underscores the commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth and job creation in Ghana.