It was a spectacular display of innovation and elegance as FAW Nigeria unveiled its latest range of luxury electric vehicles (EVs) at the grand launch of Lekki Avana Phase 2 on September 11, 2025, showcasing the future of Nigeria’s green mobility.
The event attracted an impressive mix of dignitaries, including government functionaries, traditional rulers, real estate stakeholders, and celebrities led by football legend Kanu Nwankwo, who were all captivated by the powerful sight of the new EV fleet.
The Lagos State Governor, represented by the Director of Lands and Housing Development, ESV Collins Olushina Alabi commended the initiative, describing the unveiling and the launch as a big one for Lagosians and Nigerians at large.
Guests were particularly impressed with the FAW Mini EV, a compact yet stylish vehicle boasting a maximum power of 20kW, four seats with a three-door design, and a unique gaming controller-style interior. Safety and comfort are at its core with features such as automatic emergency braking, rear parking sensors, a high-strength cage body, tire pressure monitoring, and ABS anti-locking brakes. The Mini EV delivers a range of up to 220 kilometers on a single charge and achieves a top speed of 100km/h—making it ideal for urban commuters seeking efficiency without compromising safety.
Equally commanding attention was the MVP EV a more powerful option built for longer drives powered by a 53kW motor with 120kW max power and 85Nm torque, supported by a lithium iron phosphate battery that charges in just 60 minutes on fast charge or 8 hours on slow charge. it combines performance and comfort with dual airbags, ABS, Brake Assist, TCS, ESP, rear camera with parking assist, single-side sliding door, leather seats, a 10”LCD screen, LED headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, and electric AC.
The electric car manufacturer emphasized the company’s commitment to pioneering sustainable automotive solutions that not only meet global standards but also align with Nigeria’s ambition to reduce carbon emissions and embrace renewable energy.
According to the FAW Nigeria Sales Representative Debanjan Paul, ‘’the unveiling of these luxury EVs marks a significant step in driving Nigeria’s green mobility revolution. With their blend of style, safety, and cutting-edge technology, FAW’s electric cars are designed to redefine the driving experience while contributing to a cleaner environment.q!The event venue was abuzz with excitement as attendees had a firsthand look at the vehicles, taking in their sophisticated features and performance promises.
The FAW EV launch represents more than just new cars on Nigerian roads—it is a statement of innovation, environmental responsibility, and a vision for the future of transportation in Nigeria.
Buupass Onboards 13 New Transport Operators, Strengthening Pan-African Mobility Network
Buupass, Kenya’s pioneering digital mobility platform, has significantly expanded its operator network with the addition of 13 new transport partners, marking a strategic push to become the digital backbone of Africa’s mobility and logistics sector.
According to a statement by the company, “The new partnerships span critical routes from Kenya’s coast to capital corridors, frontier border towns, and international destinations across East Africa, reflecting the broader digital transformation sweeping the continent’s transport industry.”
Among the newly onboarded operators are Executive Coaches serving the vital Nairobi-Mombasa route, Flying Horse connecting Nairobi to Dar es Salaam, Kigali, and Burundi, as well as South Sudan, and specialised frontier operators like Ambasa and Baretum, which link Nairobi to Ethiopia’s border town of Moyale. The expansion also includes two dedicated parcel operators, Dama Parcel and Philkos Parcel, extending Buupass’s logistics footprint across Kenya and the Rift Valley.
“This is what it means to move from paper to platform,” said Sonia Kabra, Co-Founder and co-CEO of Buupass. “By digitising sales and operations, we’re helping operators fill more seats, move more parcels, and cut cash leakages by up to 30%. With smarter insights and broader distribution, Buupass is proud to be Africa’s digital transformation partner in mobility and logistics.”
Driving Operational Transformation
The impact on newly onboarded operators has been immediate and substantial. Data from Buupass shows operators are experiencing 20-25% increase in ticket sales through online and mobile channels, with cash leakages reduced by up to 30% through automated reporting and cashless payment systems.
“Buupass made it easy for us to manage our new business. Within a month of onboarding, we saw a clear difference in sales compared to when we were operating manually,” said Mr. David Ongoro, Owner/Director of Janam Express, which connects Mombasa to Western Kenya.
The transformation extends beyond simple digitisation. Operators who previously relied on pen-and-paper ledgers now operate fully digital systems with real-time insights and AI-powered demand forecasting capabilities.
“At Team Swat Shuttles, our commitment is to make travel simple and reliable. Partnering with Buupass means passengers can book anytime, anywhere – and we can deliver convenience at every step,” explained Mark Onsanse, CEO of Team Swat Shuttles, which serves Nairobi-Rift Valley routes.
Technology at Scale
Buupass’s technology evolution has been central to supporting this rapid expansion. The company has developed a modular Bus Management System that enables seamless onboarding regardless of operator size or complexity, from local shuttles to cross-border fleets.
The platform now leverages AI-powered insights to help operators forecast demand and refine sales strategies. At the same time, distribution partnerships with banks, telecommunications companies, and super-apps provide instant access to broader customer bases.
“Everything is working perfectly. The system runs smoothly and has streamlined the way we operate,” noted Ruth, Director of Kwik Services Shuttle, which serves the Kitale region.
Pan-African Ambitions
The operator expansion represents Buupass’s evolution from a local ticketing solution to what the company positions as a pan-African transformation partner. The platform now facilitates connections not just within Kenya, but across Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan, creating network effects that benefit all stakeholders.
The strategic focus on three key areas – strengthening coast-to-capital corridors, digitising frontier routes to border towns, and expanding nationwide parcel delivery – positions Buupass at the intersection of passenger transport and logistics, two of Africa’s most critical infrastructure challenges.
Future Expansion Plans
Looking ahead, Buupass has outlined a multi-dimensional growth strategy encompassing increased network density in existing corridors, expansion into new cross-border and frontier markets, and diversification into parcels, corporate travel, and micro-insurance services.
The company also plans to integrate flights and accommodation services, positioning itself as a comprehensive travel platform rather than solely a transport booking system.
“Our vision is to be the digital infrastructure powering Africa’s transport sector — making the movement of people and goods seamless, multimodal, and scalable,” Kabra explained.
For passengers, the expanded network translates to more route options, enhanced safety through digital tracking, and instant booking capabilities. Small and medium enterprises benefit from faster, end-to-end tracked parcel delivery services, while the broader ecosystem gains from a more connected and efficient transport network.
As Africa’s transport sector continues its digital evolution, Buupass’s aggressive expansion strategy positions the company at the forefront of a transformation that could reshape how the continent moves people and goods across its vast geographic expanse.
Source @ThisDay
