Kenyan electric motorcycle maker Roam has won the Manufacturing Champions award at the 2026 Africa Sustainable Futures Awards, after its Roam Air model was selected from more than 500 initiatives across the continent.
The award, presented by the Financial Times and the World Bank Group’s Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), recognises manufacturing initiatives. Roam Air beat finalists Omnicane Ltd of Mauritius and Sygen Pharmaceuticals Ltd of Nigeria to win the category.
The award was presented in London on behalf of the company to Roam Chief Financial Officer Rajal Upadhyaya.
The recognition comes weeks after Roam announced that 40 per cent of the Roam Air’s manufacturing content by value is now sourced from East Africa, pointing to the company’s growing reliance on regional suppliers.
Designed for commercial use, the electric motorcycle has a dual-battery configuration that offers a range of up to 160 kilometres and can carry a payload of up to 250 kilogrammes.
The company says it is developing electric mobility solutions for African markets, alongside manufacturing, charging and servicing capabilities to support wider adoption.
“Winning the Manufacturing Champions award is a proud moment for our team and for Kenya’s electric mobility industry,” said Filip Lövström, Roam’s chief executive and co-founder.
“It recognises the work going into developing solutions for African riders and building the capabilities needed to grow this industry in the region. We are pleased to see that work recognised on an international stage.”
The 2026 awards attracted more than 500 initiatives, with 23 shortlisted across five categories.
Another Kenyan-linked initiative, Keep IT Cool, which works in the cold-chain sector, received a Highly Commended recognition in the Agribusiness category.
The awards recognise initiatives seeking to advance sustainable development and economic growth across Africa.