Roam, a Nairobi-based electric mobility manufacturer, has been named Kenya’s fastest-growing company and ranked among Africa’s top 40 in the 2025 Financial Times and Statista list of Africa’s Fastest Growing Companies. The company secured position 35 on the continent—the highest among 11 Kenyan firms featured—cementing its place as the continent’s leading electric mobility manufacturer.
According to the ranking compiled by the Financial Times in partnership with data firm Statista, Roam recorded a remarkable 86.4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) and an overall revenue growth of 547.8% between 2020 and 2023. This recognition highlights Roam’s strong performance in a highly competitive landscape and places it at the forefront of Africa’s clean technology movement.
Founded in 2017, Roam designs and manufactures electric motorcycles and buses specifically tailored to meet the needs of African markets. The company has steadily expanded its footprint through the launch of Roam Hubs—battery swapping and charging stations—across Nairobi, Kiambu, and Machakos counties. Roam has also partnered with ride-hailing giants Uber and Bolt to provide accessible electric motorcycle options for Kenya’s boda boda riders. In addition, its collaboration with global EV manufacturer Energica has helped enhance local engineering and production capacity.
In 2024, Roam made headlines after successfully completing a 6,000-kilometre electric journey from Nairobi to Stellenbosch, South Africa—a milestone that showcased both the resilience of its technology and Africa’s potential to lead in sustainable mobility innovation. The company’s strategic collaborations extend to other key players, including M-KOPA, which supports financing for riders, and Quickmart Supermarket, which is helping Roam scale its charging infrastructure.
Roam’s inclusion in the FT-Statista list also reflects a broader shift in Kenya’s economic profile. While the country continues to be known for its fintech and service sectors, Roam’s hardware-first, impact-driven business model signals a growing strength in advanced manufacturing and climate technology. Other Kenyan companies featured in this year’s list include Victory Farms, TPS Serena Hotels, KCB Group, and Co-operative Bank, placing Kenya third in overall representation behind South Africa and Nigeria.
Notably, Roam has achieved this growth amid a challenging global environment marked by reduced venture capital flows and macroeconomic uncertainties. While other African startups have struggled, Roam has remained resilient, reinforcing investor confidence in Kenya’s potential as a hub for clean energy and sustainable industry.
“This recognition is not just a milestone for Roam—it’s a moment of pride for Kenya,” said Habib Lukaya, Roam’s Field Operations Manager. “It shows that local manufacturing can thrive, creating jobs and delivering affordable, high-quality electric motorcycles made in Kenya, for Africa. We’re building an industry, and with this momentum, we’re expanding our footprint to reach more riders and communities across the continent.”
Roam’s continued success positions it as a key player not only in Kenya’s future but in Africa’s broader transition toward a greener, more sustainable transport ecosystem.
By Hillary Kabillah