Togolese startup PickApp is set to launch a pilot of its electric vehicle (EV) ownership and ride-sharing platform in the country’s capital Lomé.
Co-founded in 2023 by siblings Joseph, Joshua and Rebecca Olurin, PickApp offers a variety of services aimed at increasing access to EVs for ordinary people.
Among them are an EV ownership service, where drivers can purchase a vehicle on a PAYG basis, while through the startup’s app users can also access eco-friendly electric vehicles for ride-sharing. The startup is also deploying electric charging terminals at key points across Togo.
“Our app not only supports car and ride-sharing services but also enables drivers and the public to locate, reserve, and pay for EV charging, making it a one-stop solution for electric mobility,” Joseph Olurin, the startup’s CEO, told Disrupt Africa.
“Starting in Lomé, we plan to scale our services to major cities across Africa. By helping more people access electric vehicles and installing essential charging infrastructure, PickApp is driving Africa’s EV revolution while addressing the region’s environmental and socio-economic challenges.”
PickApp is committed to introducing 1,000 electric vehicles by 2030, but for now is on the verge of launching its pilot in Lomé.
“This will allow us to test and refine our services while building traction in the region,” Olurin said.
“We aim to significantly reduce emissions, improve air quality, and lower the carbon footprint across West Africa. Our project not only focuses on environmental sustainability but also addresses social issues like youth unemployment and poverty alleviation by creating numerous jobs in the process.”
