OX Delivers: Flat Pack Trucks Driving African Trade
Let me introduce you to OX Delivers, an ambitious and pioneering British startup that has made significant strides in the world of electric mobility. The brilliance behind their enterprise lies in their creation of the world’s first flat-pack electric truck tailored specifically for the unique challenges of the Global South. But what truly sets OX Delivers apart is their novel “transport as a service” model—an idea that feels almost revolutionary. Rural entrepreneurs in nations like Rwanda have been given the opportunity to transport a 100 kg sack of goods for the mere price of under $1. Imagine the transformation in the daily lives of farmers who once navigated rough terrains using bicycles to transport their produce.
The OX truck itself is a marvel, reminiscent of the IKEA philosophy: shipped in parts and assembled on-site. Designed robustly to brave dirt roads and handle up to 1-meter deep floods, these trucks are more than mere vehicles; they are a lifeline in areas conventional transportation simply cannot reach. This strategy, a genuine testament to ingenuity, significantly reduces costs, making reliable transport accessible where it once was a dream.
Gradually but surely, OX has been making waves. In late 2024, the startup celebrated a landmark milestone when it secured a whopping $163 million contract to initiate its first franchise in East Africa. Such a significant move is poised to bolster its presence immensely across the continent. The brilliance of their design has not gone unnoticed, earning plaudits and accolades which mark their growing legacy in the industry.
Bboxx: Powering Millions Off Grid and Going “Africa First”
Now, while OX Delivers is tackling the roads, Bboxx is illuminating homes across Africa. The journey of this London-born energy tech company is one that started as a humble university project. Who would have thought that a simple dream to provide solar power to a few Rwandan villages could transform into an enterprise that affects approximately 3.6 million lives? Through their innovative pay-as-you-go model, Bboxx provides solar energy, clean cooking solutions, and even smartphones to communities across Africa.
The brilliance behind their model lies in its inclusivity. Solar home systems are leased to families who pay in manageable installments, making electricity finally within the reach of even the lowest income households. In Rwanda, this vision has resulted in over 10% of households being electrified by Bboxx. To paint a clearer picture, imagine the quiet ripple effect they’ve created, becoming an essential component in rural electrification across 11 countries, from Togo to Kenya.
Their operations are bold, just as their mission statement is. In a move that raised many eyebrows and perhaps inspired others, Bboxx relocated their global headquarters from London to Kigali, Rwanda in 2024. This was more than just logistical; it was a powerful nod to their “Africa first” commitment — a step often envisioned but rarely enacted by foreign enterprises.
In Conclusion
The inspiring narratives of OX Delivers and Bboxx are a treasure trove of insights, especially for local innovators and investors. Their stories teach us that identifying overlooked problems, whether it be the lack of rural transport or electricity, and crafting solutions rooted in local contexts, can lead to profound impacts. Such strategic focus on niche issues, if genuinely addressing a real pain point, can lead to substantial success.
These British tech firms exemplify the notion that one does not need to be a household name to make substantial contributions. By remaining inventive and attuned to the unique needs of Africa, they’ve turned skepticism into triumph. Their journeys provide an intriguing and educational guide for anyone looking to make a difference in Africa’s tech landscape.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
