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SolarTaxi: The Hot Ghanaian Start-Up Powered by Low-Cost Chinese Tech

by Eric Olander
Promotional image of a Chinese-made electric vehicle that is sold and serviced in Ghana by SolarTaxi. Image via SolarTaxi's Facebook page.

Tech entrepreneur Jorge Appiah wants to revolutionize how people and goods get around Ghana by making transportation cheaper and, more important, cleaner. The CEO and Founder of SolarTaxi, a start-up launched in 2019 focused on electric-powered mobility solutions for both businesses and consumers, is on his way thanks in large part to EVs imported from China.

SolarTaxi sells and rents two-wheeled scooters, tricycles, and cars using solar panels (also from China) to recharge their batteries. Most of the vehicles, which include a range of sedans, mini-vans, and SUVs, are made by Chinese brands like BYD, Dongfeng, and Chery among others.

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