The Government has commended Plug & Ride Tanzania for establishing the country's first electric vehicle manufacturing plant, describing the investment as a significant milestone that represents innovation, technology transfer, skills development, and the growth of Tanzania's industrial sector.
The company is the result of a partnership between India's Mangal Eco Group and Tanzania's Utegi Group. This collaboration demonstrates what can be achieved when two friendly nations combine their strengths, expertise, and shared vision for sustainable development.
The commendation was delivered in Dar es Salaam by the Deputy Minister for Transport, David Kihenzile, during the official launch of Plug & Ride Tanzania on behalf of the Minister for Transport, Professor Makame Mbarawa.
"Today, Plug & Ride Tanzania is another important example of this long-standing partnership. Through this collaboration, the company has brought together India's technological excellence and Tanzania's business capabilities. This event marks not only the establishment of a new company but also the beginning of a new chapter in Tanzania's journey toward sustainable transportation, industrial development, innovation, and economic transformation," Kihenzile said.
He also extended his sincere congratulations to the entire leadership of Plug & Ride Tanzania, its shareholders, management, employees, and everyone whose dedication and vision made the launch possible.
"This occasion reflects the strong confidence that international investors continue to place in Tanzania as an attractive destination for investment, industrial production, and business expansion. Under the visionary leadership of Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, our country has continued to record significant achievements in improving the investment climate, promoting industrial development, expanding infrastructure, and strengthening private sector participation in national development," Kihenzile said.
He noted that electric vehicles are no longer a technology of the future but are rapidly becoming the new standard for transportation. Countries across Europe, Asia, North America, and increasingly across Africa are making substantial investments in electric vehicle infrastructure.
"They are investing in battery technology, charging stations, local manufacturing, as well as research and development. Africa has a great opportunity to become a key player in this global transformation.
It is therefore encouraging to see companies like Plug & Ride Tanzania choosing to invest in this promising sector at such an important stage of our country's development. This investment represents far more than simply introducing electric vehicles into our market; it represents investment, innovation, technology transfer, skills development, and the expansion of the industrial sector," he said.
Kihenzile further expressed his satisfaction with Plug & Ride Tanzania's commitment to building a comprehensive electric mobility ecosystem by introducing electric motorcycles, electric three-wheelers (bajaj), electric commercial vehicles, charging infrastructure, after-sales services, spare parts availability, and modern transport solutions.
"This integrated approach is essential to ensure that electric mobility becomes accessible, reliable, and sustainable for businesses and the general public.
Today's event also highlights Mr. Igogo as an example of a Tanzanian who recognized an opportunity, embraced it, and spent 42 years preparing himself to make it a reality.
That is why we agreed that even though this event was held during a holiday, Honourable Mbarawa instructed me that, even if he was unable to attend due to other commitments, I should come and demonstrate the Government's appreciation and reaffirm its commitment to supporting pioneers like you.
Mr. Igogo, I congratulate you wholeheartedly. The Government assures you of its continued cooperation and encourages you to keep attracting more investors. With those remarks, I am pleased to officially declare Plug & Ride Tanzania officially launched," he said.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary in the President's Office – Planning and Investment, Dr. Fred Msemwa, said that opportunities such as these should not merely be discussed but should be seized and implemented both at the individual and corporate levels.
"I am pleased that a Tanzanian has become a distributor of these products in Kariakoo. I would like to encourage our young people who are here today not to hesitate or consider it difficult to take up opportunities to become distributors of products like these, so that our youth can be the first beneficiaries by becoming part of the value chain created by these products," said Msemwa.
He also urged Tanzanians to develop solutions to the challenges facing both rural and urban communities. He encouraged them to take advantage of emerging opportunities and assured them that if they encounter any challenges, they should not hesitate to seek assistance from his office.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Plug & Ride Tanzania, Otieno Olung'a Igogo, appealed for continued government support, noting that the company operates the country's first electric vehicle manufacturing plant.
"To be honest, the partnership between these companies was not my idea. I was invited to meet with them and held discussions. To satisfy myself, I conducted research and traveled to India to verify that they were genuinely involved in this business. After confirming this, I sponsored a young Tanzanian to study there so that he could return and train fellow Tanzanians. They are the ones who installed this machinery. This partnership has created sustainable employment opportunities for our young people," Igogo said.
He expressed confidence that if Tanzania wishes to reduce its dependence on petrol and diesel for transporting passengers, goods, and cargo, it should embrace electric mobility because of its significantly lower operating costs.
"This innovation will also create sustainable employment for our youth, including those who currently earn a living as motorcycle taxi (bodaboda) riders. We have also developed electric three-wheelers (bajaj) for passenger transport, as well as electric ambulances.In many rural parts of our country, seriously ill patients are still carried to hospitals on stretchers because many local government authorities cannot afford conventional ambulances," he said.
Igogo explained that the company has introduced an innovative three-wheeled electric ambulance that district councils can afford to purchase. The vehicle can transport patients from dispensaries and health centres to district hospitals whenever advanced medical care is required.
"Even in our major hospitals, such as Muhimbili National Hospital and Lugalo Hospital, manually pushed wheelchairs are still widely used. Our electric mobility solution can move patients much faster, enabling them to receive treatment more quickly," he said.
He added that the company has also developed an affordable electric vehicle for transporting nursery and primary school pupils. Because of its low cost, many schools—including public schools—can afford it. School committees can work with parents to contribute towards purchasing the vehicle, which can transport approximately ten students at a time.
"One full charge consumes very little electricity, making operating costs extremely low. We therefore appeal to the leaders present today to support us so that this pioneering factory—the first in Tanzania to manufacture products designed and built through Tanzanian expertise—can continue to grow. We ask you to convey this message to senior government leaders and the country's top leadership. We want Tanzania to reduce its dependence on fuel, which has become scarce, expensive, and harmful to the environment through pollution," Igogo said.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Plug & Ride Tanzania, Pradeep Chauhan, said that environmental sustainability, effective leadership, and innovation all play a significant role in the development of society. He emphasized that innovation is particularly important because it is ultimately aimed at improving people's quality of life.
The Government has commended Plug & Ride Tanzania for establishing the country's first electric vehicle manufacturing plant, describing the investment as a significant milestone that represents innovation, technology transfer, skills development, and the growth of Tanzania's industrial sector.
The company is the result of a partnership between India's Mangal Eco Group and Tanzania's Utegi Group. This collaboration demonstrates what can be achieved when two friendly nations combine their strengths, expertise, and shared vision for sustainable development.
The commendation was delivered in Dar es Salaam by the Deputy Minister for Transport, David Kihenzile, during the official launch of Plug & Ride Tanzania on behalf of the Minister for Transport, Professor Makame Mbarawa.
"Today, Plug & Ride Tanzania is another important example of this long-standing partnership. Through this collaboration, the company has brought together India's technological excellence and Tanzania's business capabilities. This event marks not only the establishment of a new company but also the beginning of a new chapter in Tanzania's journey toward sustainable transportation, industrial development, innovation, and economic transformation," Kihenzile said.
He also extended his sincere congratulations to the entire leadership of Plug & Ride Tanzania, its shareholders, management, employees, and everyone whose dedication and vision made the launch possible.
"This occasion reflects the strong confidence that international investors continue to place in Tanzania as an attractive destination for investment, industrial production, and business expansion. Under the visionary leadership of Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, our country has continued to record significant achievements in improving the investment climate, promoting industrial development, expanding infrastructure, and strengthening private sector participation in national development," Kihenzile said.
He noted that electric vehicles are no longer a technology of the future but are rapidly becoming the new standard for transportation. Countries across Europe, Asia, North America, and increasingly across Africa are making substantial investments in electric vehicle infrastructure.
"They are investing in battery technology, charging stations, local manufacturing, as well as research and development. Africa has a great opportunity to become a key player in this global transformation.
It is therefore encouraging to see companies like Plug & Ride Tanzania choosing to invest in this promising sector at such an important stage of our country's development. This investment represents far more than simply introducing electric vehicles into our market; it represents investment, innovation, technology transfer, skills development, and the expansion of the industrial sector," he said.
Kihenzile further expressed his satisfaction with Plug & Ride Tanzania's commitment to building a comprehensive electric mobility ecosystem by introducing electric motorcycles, electric three-wheelers (bajaj), electric commercial vehicles, charging infrastructure, after-sales services, spare parts availability, and modern transport solutions.
"This integrated approach is essential to ensure that electric mobility becomes accessible, reliable, and sustainable for businesses and the general public.
Today's event also highlights Mr. Igogo as an example of a Tanzanian who recognized an opportunity, embraced it, and spent 42 years preparing himself to make it a reality.
That is why we agreed that even though this event was held during a holiday, Honourable Mbarawa instructed me that, even if he was unable to attend due to other commitments, I should come and demonstrate the Government's appreciation and reaffirm its commitment to supporting pioneers like you.
Mr. Igogo, I congratulate you wholeheartedly. The Government assures you of its continued cooperation and encourages you to keep attracting more investors. With those remarks, I am pleased to officially declare Plug & Ride Tanzania officially launched," he said.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary in the President's Office – Planning and Investment, Dr. Fred Msemwa, said that opportunities such as these should not merely be discussed but should be seized and implemented both at the individual and corporate levels.
"I am pleased that a Tanzanian has become a distributor of these products in Kariakoo. I would like to encourage our young people who are here today not to hesitate or consider it difficult to take up opportunities to become distributors of products like these, so that our youth can be the first beneficiaries by becoming part of the value chain created by these products," said Msemwa.
He also urged Tanzanians to develop solutions to the challenges facing both rural and urban communities. He encouraged them to take advantage of emerging opportunities and assured them that if they encounter any challenges, they should not hesitate to seek assistance from his office.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Plug & Ride Tanzania, Otieno Olung'a Igogo, appealed for continued government support, noting that the company operates the country's first electric vehicle manufacturing plant.
"To be honest, the partnership between these companies was not my idea. I was invited to meet with them and held discussions. To satisfy myself, I conducted research and traveled to India to verify that they were genuinely involved in this business. After confirming this, I sponsored a young Tanzanian to study there so that he could return and train fellow Tanzanians. They are the ones who installed this machinery. This partnership has created sustainable employment opportunities for our young people," Igogo said.
He expressed confidence that if Tanzania wishes to reduce its dependence on petrol and diesel for transporting passengers, goods, and cargo, it should embrace electric mobility because of its significantly lower operating costs.
"This innovation will also create sustainable employment for our youth, including those who currently earn a living as motorcycle taxi (bodaboda) riders. We have also developed electric three-wheelers (bajaj) for passenger transport, as well as electric ambulances.In many rural parts of our country, seriously ill patients are still carried to hospitals on stretchers because many local government authorities cannot afford conventional ambulances," he said.
Igogo explained that the company has introduced an innovative three-wheeled electric ambulance that district councils can afford to purchase. The vehicle can transport patients from dispensaries and health centres to district hospitals whenever advanced medical care is required.
"Even in our major hospitals, such as Muhimbili National Hospital and Lugalo Hospital, manually pushed wheelchairs are still widely used. Our electric mobility solution can move patients much faster, enabling them to receive treatment more quickly," he said.
He added that the company has also developed an affordable electric vehicle for transporting nursery and primary school pupils. Because of its low cost, many schools—including public schools—can afford it. School committees can work with parents to contribute towards purchasing the vehicle, which can transport approximately ten students at a time.
"One full charge consumes very little electricity, making operating costs extremely low. We therefore appeal to the leaders present today to support us so that this pioneering factory—the first in Tanzania to manufacture products designed and built through Tanzanian expertise—can continue to grow. We ask you to convey this message to senior government leaders and the country's top leadership. We want Tanzania to reduce its dependence on fuel, which has become scarce, expensive, and harmful to the environment through pollution," Igogo said.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Plug & Ride Tanzania, Pradeep Chauhan, said that environmental sustainability, effective leadership, and innovation all play a significant role in the development of society. He emphasized that innovation is particularly important because it is ultimately aimed at improving people's quality of life.
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