In the bustling streets of Freetown, Sierra Leone, 23-year-old engineering student James Samba has introduced a groundbreaking electric vehicle crafted from recycled materials. Motivated by the loss of his uncle to a respiratory illness linked to air pollution, Samba designed and built a prototype of a solar-powered "kekeh," a popular three-wheeled vehicle.

Traffic in Sierra Leone's cities is dominated by outdated, fuel-powered vehicles that emit harmful pollutants, worsening air quality and public health issues. Samba's innovation aims to tackle this challenge by providing an eco-friendly alternative.

The pink electric kekeh, powered by batteries and assembled from scrap metals, now serves as a practical example of sustainable transport. Samba's company, Sierra Electric, aspires to mass-produce solar-powered kekehs and other electric vehicles, including disability-friendly options.

Despite challenges such as limited electricity access and frequent power outages, Samba has partnered with local start-ups to integrate solar panels into vehicle designs. Solar kekehs not only reduce reliance on fuel but also offer lower maintenance costs, making them an economical choice for drivers.

The transition to solar-powered transport is gaining traction in Sierra Leone, as rising fuel costs push more drivers to adopt renewable energy solutions. For many, these vehicles represent a step forward in improving public health and protecting the environment.

One driver, Thomas Kanu, expressed optimism about the shift: "The solar kekeh is profitable, comfortable, and eliminates the stress of fuel shortages. It's good for business and our environment."

With efforts like Samba's leading the charge, Sierra Leone is gradually embracing cleaner and more sustainable transportation options.