E-mobility for small boat fishermen on Lake Victoria

It is estimated that there are around 100,000 small boat fishermen on Lake Victoria, most of whose boats are powered by petrol outboard motors. Many of these fishermen live at subsistence level and are unable to provide adequately for their families with the proceeds of their daily catch. On average, they earn around EUR 50 a day from selling their catch, while the cost of petrol for a fishing trip is between EUR 15 and 20. This means that only 30 to 35 EUR is left over, which is divided between the boat owner and the fishing team. This leaves each fisherman with a daily income of just EUR 3 to 4, which is barely enough to feed the family.

Switching to innovative electric motors and new types of sodium-ion batteries, which are charged using solar power, could significantly reduce operating costs. This would increase income to around EUR 6 per fisherman per day, which would enable families to be better fed. In addition, the use of solar electric drives would save around 10 tonnes of CO2 per boat each year. The e-boats run almost silently and do not emit any pollutants such as petrol, engine or gear oil into the water. Lake Victoria is a source of livelihood for millions of people in East Africa and plays a central role in the region’s water supply and nutrition, with fish being the most important source of protein.

The aim of this project is to realise a pilot project with a first solar-electric powered small boat fishing fleet on the Igombe fishing beach near Mwanza on the southern shore of Lake Victoria. The aim is to demonstrate the advantages and economic viability of this environmentally and climate-friendly concept to the local fishermen. Technical support for the project is being provided in collaboration with the Tanzanian start-up ASOBO Ltd, which aims to drive forward the scaling up of electromobility on Lake Victoria.

As part of the project, a training programme on sustainable fishing, including e-mobility, is also being set up for young people aged 16 and over. The aim is to offer young people a sound education and thus better prospects for the future. This programme is being implemented in collaboration with the Tanzanian social worker Tabita Martin, with whom a close partnership has existed for years, and with Mrs Alice, an operator of a small boat fleet, who is accompanying the practical part of the training programme. Young women in particular are to be integrated into the programme. For example, activities such as handing out and taking back charged batteries offer new professional fields that are particularly suitable for women and are easily compatible with childcare.

In cooperation with ASOBO

ASOBO is committed to sustainable fishing on Lake Victoria and in Kenya by offering environmentally friendly, electrically powered outboard motors. Through their innovative business model, they help to improve the income of fishermen and protect the environment.

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