In a strategic shift that could redefine the rollout of electric vehicle infrastructure in East Africa, Ampersand has opened its first franchise-operated battery swap station in Rwanda, marking a departure from its previously centralized expansion model.
The new facility, launched on February 19 in partnership with local energy operator Power Charge Ltd, represents Ampersand’s first move to franchise its battery-swapping infrastructure. Located in Kigali, the station will serve commercial motorcycle riders who depend on fast, reliable battery exchanges to keep their electric bikes on the road.
A Structural Shift in Expansion Strategy
Until now, Ampersand has largely built, owned and operated its battery swap network directly. The franchise model introduces a new layer to its growth strategy: local entrepreneurs or energy firms invest in and operate swap stations under Ampersand’s technical standards and brand framework.
The implications are significant. Franchising allows Ampersand to accelerate infrastructure deployment without bearing the full capital expenditure for each new location. At the same time, franchisees gain access to a proven battery technology platform, operational playbooks, software systems and supply chain support.
For riders, the immediate benefit is increased network density. More swap stations mean reduced travel time, lower queuing risk and improved operational uptime; these are critical factors for boda boda and delivery riders whose income depends on daily mileage.
What It Means for Riders
Battery swapping has emerged as a practical solution for high-utilization motorcycle markets across East Africa. Instead of waiting hours to recharge, riders can exchange depleted batteries for fully charged units in minutes. The model reduces downtime and stabilizes energy costs compared to petrol.
With franchising, Ampersand aims to expand that convenience beyond primary urban hubs into peri-urban and secondary markets. Local operators often have stronger knowledge of real estate, grid access and community engagement dynamics, which can speed up station deployment.
The result could be a more distributed and resilient swap ecosystem particularly important in markets where grid reliability varies and last-mile transport demand continues to grow.
The Only Brand-Agnostic Swap Network
Ampersand distinguishes itself further through its brand-agnostic approach. Unlike many competitors that restrict their battery infrastructure to their own motorcycle models, Ampersand has positioned its swap network as open to compatible third-party manufacturers.
This strategy was reinforced through its recent collaboration with Wylex Mobility, enabling Wylex electric motorcycles to operate on Ampersand’s battery and swap infrastructure in the region. By separating the “energy layer” from the vehicle brand, Ampersand is effectively positioning itself as a neutral platform provider rather than solely a vertically integrated OEM.
That interoperability could prove decisive as more manufacturers enter Africa’s electric motorcycle market. A shared energy backbone reduces duplication of infrastructure and lowers barriers for new vehicle brands.
Ampersand’s franchise and open-network approach contrasts sharply with operators such as Spiro, which have pursued tightly controlled expansion strategies. Spiro has focused on building proprietary swap networks closely tied to its own motorcycle fleet, maintaining strong brand identity and centralized operational oversight across markets.
While that model ensures consistency and deep control of the value chain, it limits interoperability. Riders typically remain within a single ecosystem tied to one vehicle brand.
Spiro recently received debt funding worth USD 50 million to expand its network across Africa.
Ampersand’s franchising strategy introduces decentralization into the equation. By allowing independent operators to run stations and opening infrastructure to multiple bike brands, it is betting on ecosystem scale rather than exclusivity.
The race to electrify Africa’s motorcycle sector is intensifying, driven by rising fuel prices, urban air quality concerns and government support for clean transport. Battery swapping, in particular, aligns well with the region’s high-usage commercial two-wheeler market.
Franchising may emerge as a powerful lever in that transition. If successful, Ampersand’s model could unlock private capital, local entrepreneurship and faster network penetration — three ingredients critical to achieving scale.
For riders, the outcome is straightforward: more stations, shorter wait times, lower operating costs and greater vehicle choice.
As Africa’s electric mobility landscape matures, the question will not simply be who builds the most swap stations — but whose model creates the most sustainable and interoperable ecosystem.
