As the end of 2024 approaches, Xonguila is pleased to present the last two projects selected for the CFAO Entrepreneurship Challenge, an initiative of which the magazine has been a partner from the outset. This challenge, which has highlighted ten mobility and road safety projects in Mozambique throughout the year, aims to promote innovative and sustainable solutions for the country's development. Today, we bring our readers the ninth project in this series, Epsilon Mobilidade, a proposal that promises to transform the way mobility is viewed in Mozambique, and the tenth, YORA, a digital app that makes it easier to connect vehicle owners with empty seats and passengers looking for lifts.
Epsilon Mobilidade, urban sustainability
Epsilon Mobilidade is the latest and most ambitious project of Epsilon Energia Solar (EES), which since 2018 has led innovation and access to sustainable energy in Mozambique. Launched with the support of the BRILHO programme, funded by the governments of the United Kingdom and Sweden through SNV, it represents a milestone in urban mobility by offering solutions that reduce environmental impact and promote access to greener and more affordable means of transport.
The official launch of Epsilon Mobilidade took place on 27 September at the Maputo Metropolitan Transport Agency (AMT), and was attended by prominent figures such as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, António Sitoe, and the Chairman of the AMT, António Matos. The event marked a decisive step for urban mobility in the region, reinforcing the commitment to sustainability and innovation. The initiative presents 150 electric vehicles, including motorbikes and tuk-tuks, distributed across the cities of Maputo, Matola and Zimpeto, supported by three solar charging and battery-swap stations, designed to offer an efficient and accessible service. To widen access, the project includes financing solutions that make electric mobility a reality for more citizens.
Epsilon Mobilidade directly tackles Mozambique's energy challenges, where fewer than 30% of the population have regular access to electricity. By integrating renewable energy into urban mobility, the project contributes to a significant reduction in carbon emissions, in line with global sustainability goals. It also promotes non-polluting transport alternatives, improving quality of life and mitigating environmental challenges. The solar-powered charging stations also stimulate the creation of sustainable infrastructure that benefits both urban and peri-urban areas.
This project stands out for meeting the needs of the community and fostering local economic development. It reflects Epsilon Energia Solar's vision of a more sustainable and inclusive future, reaffirming the company's leading role in the renewable energy and electric mobility sector. Epsilon Mobilidade positions Mozambique at the forefront of innovation and environmental responsibility, offering a development model that combines social, economic and ecological progress.
YORA, shared and connected mobility
As the last of the 10 projects selected for the CFAO Entrepreneurship Challenge, we present YORA, an innovative solution that combines sustainability, the collaborative economy and technology, offering a viable alternative to today's mobility challenges.
YORA is a digital sharing-economy platform developed by BoleiaChain Limitada, a Mozambican technology innovation company. It connects vehicle owners who have seats available with passengers looking for lifts, promoting the optimisation of resources and the reduction of environmental impact. The platform facilitates short- and long-distance journeys, coordinating itineraries and costs in a practical and flexible way, promoting mobility in Mozambique.
Operating as an interactive community, YORA uses the BoleiaChain Token (BCT), a digital asset that ensures efficiency and security in interactions between members. The BCT minimises risks in the creation of listings and in transactions, allowing users to act as vehicle owners, passengers or content creators, with complete flexibility in a single integrated app.
In addition to journey sharing, YORA offers the "Informe na Via" (Report on the Road) space, where members can publicise events, products, services or news related to the routes travelled. This feature strengthens the sense of community and turns mobility into an enriching and interactive experience. The use of the BCT ensures safer and more transparent transactions, eliminating physical cash and promoting trust among users.
The platform allows the sharing of various types of vehicle, such as cars, motorcycles, boats, bicycles and even helicopters, covering mobility needs in urban and rural areas. This versatile approach positions YORA as an inclusive solution, adapted to different audiences.
Beyond mobility, YORA has the potential to explore new markets, such as delivery services, vehicle rental and parking management. These initiatives diversify revenue streams and reinforce the project's social and economic impact, contributing to the sustainable development of Mozambique.
Security and transparency are pillars of the platform. Payments are made exclusively in BCT, eliminating the use of physical cash. YORA implements rigorous protection protocols, including international KYC and AML standards, document verification, real-time location sharing, an SOS system, conduct reports and data privacy measures. Advanced technologies, such as two-step authentication and state-of-the-art firewalls, safeguard users' activities and information.
With flexibility, innovation and sustainability, YORA makes daily mobility easier, reduces environmental pressure and contributes to a greener future. This project is an inspiring example of how technology can be used to tackle social and economic challenges, while promoting collaboration and the strengthening of community ties.
With the presentation of Epsilon Mobilidade and YORA, Xonguila concludes the series of 10 projects from the CFAO Entrepreneurship Challenge that it set out to present, reaffirming its commitment to promoting sustainable mobility and road safety in Mozambique. In December, all the projects will be assessed and the overall winner of the challenge will be announced, the culmination of a year of innovation and progress.
