Warwickshire-based OX Delivers unveils milestone franchise agreement

OX Delivers, the Leamington-Spa-based e-mobility firm dedicated to revolutionising b2b goods transport across the Global South, has announced a US$163 million deal to create its first franchise partner which will serve five countries in East Africa.

The multi-year contract includes the delivery of a fleet of the firm's all-electric trucks along with a subscription to both its tech platform and vehicle maintenance services.

OX East Africa, the new franchise, will take over the company's current operations in Rwanda before aiming to expand into the neighbouring countries of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Burundi.

Simon Davis, co-founder and CEO of OX Delivers said the deal was a "significant milestone" and an acknowledgement of the traction the company has made with its electric trucks and the service in Rwanda.

"This year has been record-breaking for OX Delivers and this deal enables us to significantly accelerate our business model and enhance our ability to deliver affordable, reliable transport-as-a-service to allow our customers’ businesses to prosper," he said.

"In addition, this deal will allow us to explore new markets and introduce new technologies, such as payment apps, to improve our overall customer experience."

Colin Tebbett, CEO of OX East Africa, added: "Over the last three years, OX Delivers has made a significant positive impact on the lives of our 5,000 customers in Rwanda.

"Some of our customers have seen their sales increase by five times simply by using the OX Delivers service.

"This new franchise will allow us to strengthen our commitment to Rwanda as well as expand into neighbouring countries to radically transform the lives of thousands more traders."

Since the launch of its pilot operation in Rwanda in 2021, OX has seen strong demand and is now supporting more than 5000 customers, many of whom are smallholder farmers and traders, with 80 percent of orders coming from repeat customers.

And this year, OX saw its strongest-ever performance since starting its pilot operation in Rwanda, generating more than US$920,000 revenue in the 10 months between January and October.