Ooredoo Tunisia signed a strategic partnership with Bako Motors, a rising Tunisian electric vehicle startup, to accelerate the development of solar-powered, connected cars.
The announcement came during a high-level visit by Ooredoo Tunisia CEO Mansoor Rashid Al-Khater to Bako Motors’ factory in Mghira, Ben Arous, where both companies outlined plans to merge telecommunications expertise with renewable energy innovation.
This collaboration focuses on integrating advanced connectivity solutions into Bako Motors’ future vehicle models, paving the way for “connected cars” made in Tunisia.
The initiative reflects Ooredoo Tunisia’s commitment to empowering local innovators and fostering eco-friendly technological advancements, particularly in electric and solar-powered vehicles.
Supporting Tunisian innovation in sustainable mobility
Mansoor Rashid Al-Khater, CEO of Ooredoo Tunisia, led the delegation to Bako Motors’ facility. He praised the startup’s achievements in designing solar electric vehicles tailored for urban transport and last-mile delivery.
The visit reinforced Ooredoo’s commitment to backing local enterprises that combine sustainability with technological innovation.
Al-Khater described the partnership as a milestone for Tunisia’s digital transformation: “Supporting local innovation is at the heart of Ooredoo Tunisia’s mission. Our collaboration with Bako Motors reflects our commitment to promoting Tunisian talent, developing connectivity as a lever for transformation, and preparing the future of connected cars in Tunisia.”
By combining telecommunications expertise with renewable energy engineering, both companies see the collaboration as a step toward positioning Tunisia as a regional hub for eco-friendly transport solutions.
Bako Motors’ vision for solar-powered vehicles
Founded in 2020 by engineer Boubaker Siala, Bako Motors has quickly gained recognition for its solar electric vehicle lineup, including the Bako B1 and B-Van, designed for micro-mobility and sustainable urban delivery. The company has showcased its innovations at significant events such as GITEX Africa, LEAP 24, and IAA Mobility 2023.
Siala welcomed Ooredoo’s support, noting that connectivity will be central to the startup’s next-generation vehicles. “This collaboration strengthens our vision for innovative and sustainable mobility. By integrating connectivity, we consolidate both our technology and Tunisia’s startup ecosystem,” he said.
With a team boasting over 70 years of combined automotive experience, Bako Motors seeks to merge green energy solutions with digital innovation. Its upcoming models are expected to blend solar efficiency with 5G-enabled smart features, placing Tunisia firmly on the map of emerging electric vehicle (EV) producers.
Tunisia’s automotive industry and the road ahead
Tunisia’s automotive industry contributes around four percent of the national GDP, but the country largely specialises in parts and wiring exports rather than full-scale vehicle production. Annual production hovers around 1,700–1,900 units, modest compared to global leaders.
However, the rise of startups like Bako Motors signals new opportunities in EVs and clean mobility.
The Ooredoo-Bako partnership demonstrates how collaboration between telecom operators and automotive innovators can open new markets.
Tunisia could leapfrog traditional auto manufacturing and carve out a niche in Africa’s growing sustainable transport sector by enabling connected, solar-powered cars.
For Ooredoo Tunisia, the partnership is also an opportunity to expand its role beyond telecom into digital transformation and innovative solutions, while reinforcing its community-focused mission. With over 114 million customers across the Ooredoo Group, the operator is well-positioned to provide the connectivity backbone for next-generation mobility.
As Tunisia eyes a greener future, this alliance between Ooredoo and Bako Motors shows how technology, sustainability, and entrepreneurship can come together to reshape mobility for Tunisia and Africa.