“Watt women want? A cleaner, charged-up future!”

The Women in E-Mobility Networking and Funding Workshop, co-hosted by Strathmore University and the Flone Initiative, brought together women professionals, financiers, researchers, and industry stakeholders for an exciting day of dialogue, discovery, and connection, September 25^th, 2025.

The event was built on insights from a study into the transportation sector conducted earlier this year, which highlighted the barriers women face in accessing funding from limited information to complex financing processes. The workshop set out to bridge these gaps by creating a collaborative space for learning, networking, and practical engagement.

The afternoon kicked off with a keynote speech from Dr. Eng. Julius Butime, Dean of the School of Computing and Engineering Sciences at Strathmore University. In his address, Dr. Butime reminded everyone that inclusion is the cornerstone of resilience and encouraged participants to embrace innovation. He also explored how AI could enhance electric vehicle efficiency.  “Funding should empower, not divide,” said Dr. Butime.

Lucy Kihonge from Flone Initiative introduced the Women in E-Mobility Network, outlining its three core pillars, including Research & Advocacy, Skills & Mentorship, and Access to Resources. The network’s new theme, Connect, Learn, and Lead, aims to create a vibrant space for women to share experiences, influence mobility policy, and strengthen partnerships across Africa’s growing e-mobility ecosystem.

On her part, Anne Wambugu from Strathmore University shared preliminary findings from a baseline study investigating the transport sector. The data revealed that while women remain underrepresented in transport roles, the shift toward e-mobility holds tremendous potential to create green jobs and promote sustainability. From financing models such as Battery-as-a-Service, Pay-As-You-Drive, and Fleet-as-a-Service to new government policies, Anne highlighted how innovation and inclusivity can power Kenya’s journey toward a cleaner, fairer transport future.

Prof. Da Silva, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and Innovation, closed the formal session with a call to collaboration. “Let’s continue working together for the good of our continent.” His words set the tone for a lively networking session led by the Flone team.

Key takeaways? Financing must be designed with women’s realities in mind. Training programs should be inclusive, and

Both Flone Initiative and Strathmore University committed to continuing their collaboration, deepening research, and advancing a just and sustainable e-mobility future.

Because when women move, the world moves with them and the road to a greener Africa is brighter when it is driven by everyone.

The future of transport is electric and inclusive!

Article written by Kirsten Dass