Japanese Entrepreneur Raises $7 Million to Launch Dodai, Ethiopia's Fastest-Growing EV Company
Japanese entrepreneur Sasaki has secured $7 million to launch Dodai, an electric motorcycle company in Ethiopia, targeting delivery businesses with models priced between $1,200 and $2,000. Established in 2022, Dodai has partnered with the Ethiopian Postal Service and plans to introduce battery swapping stations by March 2026, aiming to serve 50,000 users and expand into five other African countries. The company seeks to enhance domestic production and infrastructure for electric mobility, despite challenges in attracting international investment.
Theia Market Signal Identification - AI Assisted
Japanese entrepreneur Sasaki has raised $7 million to establish Dodai, an electric motorcycle company in Ethiopia. After working in solar energy across West Africa and joining Japanese startup Luup, he founded Dodai in 2022, aiming to leverage Ethiopia's untapped market.
Dodai's electric motorcycles, priced between $1,200 and $2,000, cater to delivery businesses and are designed for efficiency, covering up to 150 kilometers on a single charge. In 2023, the Ethiopian Postal Service became Dodai's exclusive partner.
The company plans to introduce battery swapping stations by March 2026, aiming to serve 50,000 users and expand into five other African countries. Investors include Nissay Capital and Inclusion Japan, as international investment in Ethiopia remains challenging due to regulations. Sasaki hopes to collaborate with local manufacturers to enhance domestic production and infrastructure for electric mobility across Africa.
Comments