In just 24 months, the electric mobility company has become a driving force behind sustainable transportation and inclusive job creation, with more than 1,500 bikes already on Rwandan roads, a number expected to reach over 2,000 by next month.
'This anniversary is more than a number. It reflects the trust we have earned in the community and the strength of our brand on the ground,' said Arunkumar Bhandari, Country Head at Spiro Rwanda.
At the heart of this success is Spiro's shift to local assembly. Bikes are now being assembled in Kigali, with plans underway to transition into full manufacturing.
This move has generated over 300 jobs, spanning both technical roles and office-based positions. Notably, 40% of Spiro's workforce is female, a figure that is rare in the traditionally male-dominated automotive sector.
'We are proud of the growing number of women in our technical and operational teams. This isn't just a win for Spiro; it's a statement about gender inclusion and the power of ESG values in action,' Bhandari said.
As part of its expansion strategy, Spiro is setting its sights beyond Kigali, targeting areas such as Muhanga, Kayonza, Rwamagana, Rusizi, and Musanze. The expansion plan supports not just growth in market reach but also deeper community engagement and economic empowerment in underserved regions.
The localization of assembly has also led to significant youth upskilling. Spiro is developing a training initiative, dubbed the 'Spiro Academy' to partner with universities and the Rwandan government.
The academy will focus on equipping young people, especially women, with the technical skills needed to participate in the country's emerging electric vehicle sector.
'We're building capacity not just for Spiro, but for the entire Rwandan manufacturing landscape. We don't want to import talent, we want to grow it here,' Bhandari noted.
The company's vision aligns closely with national policy, particularly following the government's recent ban on the registration of internal combustion engine motorcycles in Kigali.
Spiro's electric bikes are positioned as a clean alternative, helping to reduce carbon emissions while also supporting the broader goals of climate resilience and sustainable urban development.
'Our work is aligned with the government's clean mobility agenda. We're not just a business, we are partner to Rwanda's green future. This journey has only been possible thanks to the government of Rwanda's goodwill, incentives, and backing that have allowed us to grow,' Bhandari affirmed.
On the ground, the impact of Spiro's presence is tangible. Jean De Dieu Ndatimana, the company's first-ever customer in Rwanda, described how the electric bike transformed his life.
'Initially, we didn't know much about Spiro, but when we saw its agenda, especially for protecting the environment, we embraced it. Today, I don't only use the bike for transport but as a vehicle for progress,' he said.
'I've used the income from my partnership with Spiro to educate my child in a modern school and start a chicken project at home. It has changed my life,' Ndatimana added.
As Spiro looks to the future, its vision remains clear; to lead the electric mobility revolution in Rwanda while remaining firmly grounded in local empowerment, sustainability, and inclusive development.
IGIHE
