In an era where electric mobility is rapidly transforming urban landscapes, Yuma Sasaki, the Founder and CEO of Dodai, stands at the forefront of this revolution in Ethiopia. With a rich background in renewable energy and e-mobility, Yuma Sasaki has dedicated his efforts to harnessing Ethiopia’s vast renewable resources to create a sustainable transportation network. This interview digs into his inspiring journey, the vision behind Dodai, and the innovative strategies being implemented to overcome challenges in the electric mobility sector.
As we explore Yuma Sasaki’s insights, we will uncover how Dodai aims to establish a battery-swapping network that not only enhances accessibility to electric vehicles but also contributes significantly to job creation and economic growth in Ethiopia. With plans to partner with Ethiopian Investment Holdings and establish hundreds of battery swap stations, Dodai is poised to make a lasting impact on urban mobility and environmental sustainability.
Join us as we discuss the future of transportation in Ethiopia, the role of private companies in sustainable development, and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for Dodai and its mission to lead Africa’s transition to cleaner mobility solutions. Excerpts;
Capital: Can you share your journey in the electric mobility sector and what inspired you to start Dodai?
Yuma Sasaki: My journey began in the renewable energy sector, specifically with off-grid solar projects in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. Later, I led e-mobility initiatives in Japan, including Uber and a 95% market share e-mobility startup, Luup. Seeing the transformative potential of both renewable energy and e-mobility, I was inspired to combine these elements in Africa, starting with Ethiopia. Ethiopia’s abundant renewable energy and untapped market potential make it the perfect place for Dodai, which means “foundation” in Japanese, to establish a strong base for e-mobility in Africa.
Capital: What is Dodai’s long-term vision for electric mobility in Ethiopia?
Yuma Sasaki: Dodai’s long-term vision is to make e-mobility accessible to everyone in Ethiopia, enabling a transition to cleaner, more affordable transportation. Our focus is to create an efficient battery-swapping network, starting in Addis Ababa that serves two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and even electric buses. By 2030, we aim to expand beyond Ethiopia, transforming urban mobility across Africa with a network of reliable, user-friendly EV infrastructure.
Capital: How did the partnership with Ethiopian Investment Holdings come about, and what are the key objectives you hope to achieve?
Yuma Sasaki: The partnership with Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH) is based on a shared vision to create sustainable transportation solutions while driving economic growth. Together, we aim to create 100,000 jobs and establish 400 battery swap stations in Addis Ababa and Shaggar city within 3 years. The key objectives are to provide accessible e-mobility options, reduce emissions, and foster job creation in Ethiopia’s growing green economy.
Capital: What makes this collaboration significant for the future of transportation in Ethiopia?
Yuma Sasaki: This collaboration is pivotal because it aims to generate 100,000 jobs and accelerate Ethiopia’s transition to e-mobility. The electric two-wheeler sector in Ethiopia is at least 3 years behind Kenya, so we need to start now, move quickly, and surpass existing benchmarks. A partnership between a fast-paced technology startup like Dodai and a visionary government is the only way to make this happen.
Capital: Can you elaborate on the plan to roll out 100 battery swap stations in Addis Ababa? What challenges do you anticipate?
Yuma Sasaki: I have experience implementing similar projects in other countries, so I’m confident in how to handle this rollout. The key is to ensure a sufficient density of stations to enhance convenience, rather than spreading too thin. We’ll start in high-demand areas like Bole, where delivery drivers are concentrated, to build momentum. Anticipated challenges include securing land, obtaining permits, and managing logistics, but the focused approach and government support will help us overcome them.
Capital: How will the battery swapping model enhance the accessibility of electric mobility for everyday users?
Yuma Sasaki: Battery swapping makes e-mobility more convenient and affordable by eliminating long charging times. Users can simply swap their depleted battery for a fully charged one in minutes, making EVs as practical as fuel-powered vehicles. This model is especially beneficial for gig workers and delivery drivers who need quick turnaround times.
Capital: You mentioned creating 100,000 jobs through this initiative. Can you detail how these jobs will be generated and the types of roles involved?
Yuma Sasaki: The jobs will be created across various segments, including the construction and maintenance of battery swap stations, manufacturing and assembly of e-motorbikes, logistics, and customer service roles. There will also be positions in technology development, data analytics, and training programs for new riders. By 2028, we aim to have created 100,000 jobs in Ethiopia, contributing to both economic growth and workforce development.
Capital: How do you envision the impact of this project on local communities and the economy?
Yuma Sasaki: The battery-swapping network will not only transform urban mobility but also significantly boost e-commerce. Globally, the growth of e-commerce has been tightly linked to the availability of e-motorbikes. Without e-motorbikes, the e-commerce sector cannot fully thrive. By providing reliable, cost-effective transportation, we’re supporting businesses, creating jobs, and enabling more efficient delivery services, all of which contribute to local economic growth.
Capital: You have problems with licensing issues of the electric scooters with authorities. How are you planning to tackle that?
Yuma Sasaki: Any new technology, whether it’s rideshare or e-commerce, requires time for the proper regulatory framework to be developed. This is normal during the transition period, especially for relatively new technologies like e-mobility and electric scooters. I’m confident that it’s a matter of “when” rather than “if” the regulatory issues will be resolved. As seen during the recent event, Dr. Brook from EIH also expressed commitment to addressing regulatory aspects, which further assures me that we are on the right path.
Capital: How does Dodai plan to contribute to Ethiopia’s Climate Resilient Green Economy through this project?
Yuma Sasaki: Ethiopia has surplus energy, with over 90% coming from hydropower, making it one of the cleanest sources available. Dodai’s project will leverage this clean energy to power electric vehicles, reducing emissions and enhancing sustainable urban transportation. By replacing fuel-powered bikes with electric alternatives, we are directly contributing to Ethiopia’s Climate Resilient Green Economy.
Capital: What measures are you implementing to ensure that the battery swap stations are environmentally sustainable?
Yuma Sasaki: While we’re not ready to share too many details yet, I can say that we plan to repurpose used batteries as energy storage tools for off-grid communities after 3-4 years of battery use. This approach not only extends the life of the batteries but also provides clean energy solutions for remote areas, aligning with our sustainability goals.
Capital: You mentioned using real-time usage data for optimization. Can you explain how this data will influence your operations and decision-making?
Yuma Sasaki: Real-time data will help us optimize battery availability, maintenance schedules, and station locations. By analyzing user patterns and battery performance, we can ensure that stations are always stocked with charged batteries and strategically positioned where demand is highest. This data-driven approach will enhance user satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Capital: What technological innovations are you incorporating to enhance the efficiency of your services?
Yuma Sasaki: We’re implementing IoT (Internet of Things) technology to enable real-time monitoring of battery health, usage patterns, and station performance. This will help us manage our operations more efficiently and reduce downtime. Additionally, our e-motorbikes are equipped with smart systems that provide users with instant updates on battery levels, location tracking, and maintenance alerts.
Capital: Are there plans to expand your business to include electric buses or cars in the future?
Yuma Sasaki: We definitely want to introduce electric buses as part of our expansion plans, as they align with our mission to provide efficient, mass transportation, However, we are less certain about electric cars at this point. Our focus is on providing affordable, efficient mobility solutions for the middle class, youth, and gig workers. Unless electric cars become more accessible for everyday Ethiopians, we won’t allocate resources to that segment.
Capital: What are your hopes for the future of Dodai and the electric mobility landscape in Ethiopia over the next 5 to 10 years?
Yuma Sasaki: I hope Dodai will become a symbol of Ethiopian innovation, much like Ethiopian Airlines-a company born in Ethiopia but known and trusted globally. We aim to be the leading e-mobility provider in Africa, with a strong presence in major urban centers, and to establish a robust network of battery swap stations serving two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and buses across the continent.
Capital: How do you see the role of private companies in driving sustainable development in Ethiopia?
Yuma Sasaki: Private companies have a crucial role in driving sustainable development by investing in clean technologies, creating jobs, and fostering innovation. In Ethiopia, companies like Dodai can support the government’s climate goals by offering practical, scalable solutions that reduce emissions and stimulate economic growth. Collaboration between the public and private sectors is key to achieving sustainable development
