Airtel has partnered with Spiro, Africa’s leading electric mobility solution provider, to adopt electric motorcycles into its distribution network, a move aimed at improving productivity, lowering operating costs for franchise partners, and removing fumes from the last-mile delivery of Airtel products and services across Uganda.
The partnership gives interested Airtel franchise partners an opportunity to own brand-new Spiro electric motorcycles through an affordable, interest-free repayment model facilitated by Airtel, through monthly installment commission deductions over a period of 24 months.
The initiative kicks off with the flag-off of the first 268 Spiro motorcycles, from the over 1,000 orders from Airtel Uganda. This programme will eventually be rolled out to all Airtel franchise partners across the country in phases.
Speaking at the launch, the Managing Director of Airtel Mobile Commerce Uganda Limited, Japhet Aritho, said the partnership reflects Airtel’s continued commitment to responsible business partnerships that reduce emissions.
“As Airtel continues to grow, so does our responsibility to ensure that our products and services reach customers faster, more efficiently and in an environmentally friendly manner,” Aritho said. “Our franchise partners are the backbone of our distribution network, and today we are investing in them.”
Franchise partners play a critical role in Airtel’s distribution ecosystem by delivering SIM cards, distributing Airtel Money float, and ensuring customers across Uganda can conveniently access Airtel products and services. Through this partnership, they will benefit from lower operating costs, GPS-enabled motorcycles, reliable after-sales support, and Spiro’s expanding battery swap network, allowing them to spend more time serving customers and growing their businesses.
The Country Director of Spiro Uganda, Brenden Kachenje, noted that electric mobility is emerging as a powerful tool in the corporate agenda and commended Airtel for the bold move to adopt and incorporate electric vehicles in their daily operations.
“This partnership confirms Spiro’s commitment to champion a greener, cleaner environment and lead the country’s e-mobility agenda,” Kachenje said. “To this, Spiro Uganda is committed to deploy 50,000 electric bikes by December 2026.”
He said the bikes are efficient, affordable, and available. “Affordability is key. That way, we are empowering communities financially,” Kachenje said. He allayed fears of the bikes breaking down, saying that Spiro has a 24-hour call centre. “Our team will be there in 20-30 minutes and will either fix the bike outright or get you to the nearest service centre.”
By replacing fuel-powered motorcycles with electric alternatives, the initiative is expected to reduce operating expenses for franchise partners while contributing to lower carbon emissions. The launch marks another milestone in Airtel Uganda’s ongoing efforts to modernize its distribution network and empower the entrepreneurs who play a vital role in connecting millions of Ugandans to digital and financial services.
