At a time when the ecological transition is becoming a global priority, Togolese ingenuity is shining on the Lomé campus. Josué Smith Mahulé Avikpo , a student at the Regional Centre of Excellence for Electricity Management (CERME), brilliantly defended his Master's thesis on March 4, 2026, presenting a sustainable alternative to urban transport: a 100% electric tricycle .

A solution to pollution and the high cost of living

In Lomé, the ubiquitous diesel tuk-tuks are essential for daily life, but they are a significant expense for drivers and contribute to air pollution. Avikpo's project directly addresses both of these issues.

"This electric tricycle could be an important step towards cleaner and more sustainable urban mobility," says the young inventor.

Performance and technical specifications

This prototype is not only environmentally friendly, it is also robust and efficient for urban use:

1. Load capacity: Up to 500 kg or 5 passengers.
2. Cruising speed: Approximately 40 km/h.
3. Range: 162 km after a single charge.
4. Environmental impact: A reduction of 3.1 tonnes of CO₂ per year compared to petrol models.

Unbeatable transport costs

The main argument for this invention remains its affordability. According to studies, the cost would amount to only 18 FCFA per kilometer per person . A drastic saving that could transform the daily lives of users and transport operators.

Next step: The full-scale test

To validate the effectiveness of his invention in real-world conditions, an experimental phase will be launched at the University of Lomé . The tricycle will provide a link between the North and South campuses, offering students a smooth, clean, and affordable means of transport.