PickApp, a Togolese startup co-founded in 2023 by siblings Joseph, Joshua, and Rebecca Olurin, is set to roll out the pilot phase of its electric vehicle (EV) ownership and ride-sharing platform in Lomé, the nation’s capital. The initiative aims to bolster access to EVs while addressing pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges in the region.

At the heart of PickApp’s offering is a multifaceted platform that integrates EV ownership, ride-sharing, and charging solutions. The company’s innovative EV ownership model enables drivers to acquire vehicles on a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) basis, a strategy designed to lower the barriers to entry for sustainable transport. Complementing this is a ride-sharing service accessible through the PickApp application, which connects users with eco-friendly electric vehicles.

In a bid to support this ecosystem, the company is establishing a network of electric charging terminals strategically positioned throughout Togo. This infrastructure allows app users to locate, reserve, and pay for EV charging, providing what CEO Joseph Olurin describes as a “one-stop solution for electric mobility.”

“Starting in Lomé, we plan to expand our services to major cities across Africa,” said Olurin. “By facilitating access to electric vehicles and installing essential charging infrastructure, PickApp is driving Africa’s EV revolution while addressing the region’s environmental and socio-economic challenges.”

The startup has set an ambitious target of deploying 1,000 electric vehicles by 2030. The pilot in Lomé is expected to serve as a critical testing ground for refining the platform and building user adoption.

Olurin also emphasised the broader impacts of the initiative. “We aim to significantly reduce emissions, improve air quality, and lower the carbon footprint across West Africa. Beyond environmental sustainability, our project addresses social issues such as youth unemployment and poverty alleviation by creating numerous jobs.”

As the EV market in Africa remains nascent, PickApp’s approach could serve as a blueprint for other nations grappling with high vehicle emissions and limited access to affordable transport. By integrating accessible ownership models with robust infrastructure, the company positions itself as a potential leader in the continent’s evolving mobility landscape.