Burkina Faso has made history by unveiling its first 100 percent Indigenous electric car brand, ITAOUA. This marks a significant milestone in the country’s industrial and technological development.
This achievement, announced on January 26, 2025, highlights the nation’s determination to become a technological hub in West Africa.
Read also: Togolese startup to pilot EV ownership, ride-sharing in Lomé
Introduction to ITAOUA
ITAOUA, the Burkinabe car manufacturer behind this innovation, has designed and manufactured the electric vehicle entirely using local resources and expertise. The car boasts impressive features, including a range of 330 kilometres (205 miles) after just a 30-minute charge, making it ideal for urban and rural environments.
As noted by the company, “Innovation is not the preserve of great powers, but that it can also germinate, grow, and radiate from the heart of the Sahel in Africa”.
The production plant is located in Ouaga 2000, one of Burkina Faso’s prime districts. It results from a Burkinabe entrepreneur’s vision to transform the country into a technological hub.
Burkinabe engineers are in charge of the design and manufacturing processes, showcasing the country’s growing capabilities in the automotive sector.
According to Mordor Intelligence, Africa’s electric vehicle market was worth $11.94 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $21.39 billion by 2027, rising 10.2 percent annually.
Read also: South Africa mulls EV incentives, subsidies to boost local industry
Economic and environmental impact
The launch of ITAOUA’s electric car is expected to impact Burkina Faso’s economy profoundly. It will generate thousands of jobs in manufacturing, sales, maintenance, and renewable energy sectors, contributing to the country’s economic development. Additionally, by reducing dependence on imported vehicles and fossil fuels, Burkina Faso is cutting its carbon footprint and conserving foreign exchange reserves.
Under Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s leadership, ITAOUA represents a commitment to local innovation and sustainable development.
The company’s models, such as the “Native” and “Sahel,” feature advanced technologies like GPS navigation, Bluetooth, and solar charging, signalling a shift in how African manufacturing is perceived globally.
