In this exclusive interview, Kaushik Burman, the visionary CEO of Spiro Electric Motorcycles, shares insights into how Spiro is transforming urban transportation across Africa. Under his leadership, Spiro has emerged as a trailblazer in clean mobility, pioneering sustainable solutions with their Pan-African smart energy ecosystem. Burman discusses the journey behind Spiro’s inception, their innovative approach to decarbonising transportation, and their recent recognition at the FT Live Africa Sustainable Futures Awards.

R:Ed: What motivated you to take on this challenge, and how did your journey lead you to found or join Spiro?
Kaushik Burman: My background played a significant role in motivating me. Having been involved in the clean energy sector for years, I saw the critical need for affordable and clean mobility in Africa. The lack of such solutions often leads to exclusion rather than inclusion. Spiro’s mission is to electrify Africa in a sustainable and accessible manner, bringing clean energy to the masses.

R:Ed: How does Spiro’s approach to decarbonised transportation and renewable energy specifically address the needs and realities of African cities?
Kaushik Burman: Spiro operates with a deep understanding of Africa’s unique challenges. Our focus is on building infrastructure—like battery-swapping stations and fast chargers—that overcomes the long timelines traditionally required for electrification. By creating partnerships and offering alternatives like electric energy, we are working to make clean transportation accessible while addressing systemic obstacles like reliance on fossil fuels.

Local Nairobi men and women working on Spiro assembly line in Kenya. Photo credit – Spiro

R:Ed: Could you explain the key elements of Spiro’s ecosystem and how it integrates into urban areas across multiple countries?
Kaushik Burman: Spiro is designed to be a Pan-African smart energy ecosystem. Our ecosystem includes 21,000 electric motorbikes driven by “Okada” bikers and a network of battery-swapping stations. This infrastructure allows us to scale rapidly while providing affordable clean energy solutions. The team of 1,200 individuals driving this mission is central to making this vision a reality.

R:Ed: What have been some of the major challenges and breakthroughs in creating this battery-swapping infrastructure?
Kaushik Burman: Building the infrastructure was challenging due to the time and resources required. However, our focus on fast implementation—by designing efficient battery stations and chargers—allowed us to overcome these barriers. Additionally, creating financial incentives with governments has been key to encouraging adoption and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

What are the main obstacles in scaling this vision, and what strategies is Spiro implementing to expand the network across Africa?
Kaushik Burman: Scaling requires significant infrastructure investments and partnerships. One obstacle is the time it takes to build an ecosystem that competes with century-old hydrocarbons. We’re signing partnerships, creating mandates with governments, and continuously innovating to ensure infrastructure is deployed quickly and efficiently.

R:Ed: How is Spiro’s work impacting air quality, public health, and other aspects of urban living?
Kaushik Burman: The impact has been tremendous. With 21,000 electric motorbikes driving over 300 million emission-free kilometers, we’re significantly reducing air pollution. This has a direct effect on improving public health while supporting sustainable urban development.

R:Ed: Could you share more about Spiro’s role in energy efficiency and recycling within its ecosystem?
Kaushik Burman: Innovation plays a critical role. For example, we’ve launched the Spiro Tech Center in Kenya and Nigeria to teach battery assembly and foster high-quality engineering talent. This initiative ensures that our operations are sustainable and contribute to long-term energy efficiency.

R:Ed: How do you envision the role of electric vehicles and renewable energy evolving in Africa over the next decade?
Kaushik Burman: Over the next decade, electric mobility will transform Africa’s urban infrastructure. Spiro is pioneering this change, and we hope to inspire more players to join us. Together, we can build an inclusive, clean energy ecosystem across the continent.

R:Ed: Have you faced any regulatory or cultural hurdles, and how have you navigated them?
Kaushik Burman: Regulatory challenges are inevitable, but collaboration has been crucial. By fostering cross-border partnerships and sharing ideas between India and Africa, we’ve built a system that aligns with local needs. Diversity and integration remain at the heart of Spiro’s approach.

R:Ed: What have you learned about driving innovation and resilience in challenging markets? What advice would you offer to entrepreneurs focused on building sustainable solutions in Africa?
Kaushik Burman: Entrepreneurship comes with risks, but it’s essential to take bold steps. Sustainability is a marathon, not a sprint, and having clarity of purpose is vital. At Spiro, we are driven by inclusion and the higher purpose of creating a better future. My advice: be bold, take risks, and stay committed to your mission.

All female Spiro rider convoy supporting for women boda boda riders. Photo credit – Spiro