In a significant endorsement of Kenya’s burgeoning clean technology sector, Nairobi-based electric mobility manufacturer Roam has secured the top spot as the fastest-growing company in the nation, according to the 2025 Financial Times and Statista ranking of Africa’s Fastest Growing Companies.
The firm’s impressive performance places it 35th overall on the continent, leading a cohort of 11 Kenyan enterprises featured in the prestigious list. Notably, Roam stands out as the premier electric mobility manufacturer recognized in this year’s ranking.
The Financial Times and Statista’s comprehensive analysis, encompassing over 130 companies across the African continent, evaluated growth based on compound annual growth rate and absolute revenue expansion between 2020 and 2023. Roam demonstrated robust financial health, posting an 86.4% CAGR and a substantial 547.8% revenue growth, firmly establishing its leadership in Africa’s rapidly evolving clean technology landscape.
Established in 2017, Roam has strategically focused on designing and manufacturing electric motorcycles and buses specifically tailored for the demands of African markets. The company has expanded its operational footprint through the launch of Roam Hubs — charging and battery rental stations — across key Kenyan counties, including Nairobi, Kiambu, and Machakos.
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Strategic partnerships with ride-hailing giants such as Uber and Bolt have further democratised access to electric motorcycles for boda boda riders. Roam’s commitment to innovation is underscored by its collaboration with Italy’s Energica to advance local electric vehicle engineering and its ambitious 6,000-kilometer electric journey from Nairobi to Stellenbosch in 2024, signalling Africa’s growing prominence as a hub for technological advancement.
Roam’s position on the FT list places it ahead of notable Kenyan entities, including digital asset financing platform M-KOPA, a key Roam partner, and Quickmart Supermarket, which collaborates with Roam on expanding charging infrastructure. Other prominent Kenyan firms featured in the ranking include Victory Farms, TPS Serena Hotels, KCB Group, and Co-operative Bank.
This year’s ranking highlights a diversification of Kenya’s economic growth, with Roam’s hardware-centric, impact-driven business model underscoring the continent’s increasing capabilities in advanced manufacturing and climate technology. Kenya secured the third-highest number of companies in the ranking, trailing only South Africa and Nigeria.
Roam’s success is particularly noteworthy against a backdrop of global venture capital contraction and increasing macroeconomic headwinds. Its consistent growth trajectory stands in contrast to the challenges faced by other high-profile African startups, such as Jumia and Gro Intelligence, reinforcing investor confidence in Kenya’s burgeoning clean energy and industrial sectors.
“This recognition is not just a milestone for Roam, it’s a moment of pride for Kenya,” Habib Lukaya, Roam’s Field Operations Manager, said. “It demonstrates the viability of local manufacturing in creating jobs and delivering affordable, high-quality electric motorcycles made in Kenya, for Africa. We are building an industry, and with this momentum, we are expanding our reach to serve more riders and communities across the continent.”
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