Freetown, Sierra Leone, 21 August 2025 – In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable mobility, SMOVE Vehicles SL Ltd. has donated one of its innovative electric motorbikes to the National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA). The donation, made today, is set to significantly strengthen NPPA’s transportation infrastructure and enhance its stakeholder engagement efforts across Sierra Leone.
Transportation has long been a challenge for many public institutions in Sierra Leone, and the NPPA is no exception. With this new motorbike, the Authority will be able to better support its field operations, monitoring activities, and outreach engagements, thereby ensuring that its teams can reach stakeholders more effectively and efficiently.
Speaking at the handover, NPPA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Fodie Konneh, described the donation as “a remarkable move, especially a credit to reducing the carbon footprint in Sierra Leone.” He went on to note: “Our country carries a huge carbon burden, and this motorbike represents a big leap in the climate change debate. It also aligns with the Ministry of Finance’s wider program on carbon emissions. As NPPA, we fully support this initiative, and we promise to increase our fleet with more of these kinds of automobiles in the future.”
He further pledged NPPA’s commitment to provide feedback on the bike’s performance and “possibly recommend its adoption to other government agencies.” Expressing gratitude, Mr. Konneh added: “We thank SMOVE Vehicles SL Ltd. for this innovation and donation, and we promise to support the company and see them thrive in the Sierra Leonean market.”
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of SMOVE Vehicles SL Ltd., Mr. Dereque Davies, highlighted the historic nature of the gesture, stating: “NPPA is the first government entity in Sierra Leone to start using this technology. We are proud to partner with NPPA in this way, and we hope this will serve as a model for other institutions to follow.”
The donated motorbike itself comes with a range of cutting-edge features designed with durability, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability in mind. It can reach speeds of up to 200 km/h when fully charged and comes with two interchangeable batteries that allow continuous use. Charging takes only two hours, with the indicator light shifting from red to green once ready. Beyond speed and efficiency, the bike is extremely cost-effective since it eliminates the need for fuel purchases and avoids the frequent oil changes that are typical of conventional motorcycles. It is both waterproof and fireproof, ensuring resilience in Sierra Leone’s varied weather conditions. Each battery has a lifespan of about five years, spare parts are readily available and easy to replace, and the bike is fitted with a real-time tracking system that improves security, monitors usage, and supports recovery in the event of theft.
From a market perspective, the SMOVE motorbike is not only eco-friendly but also highly affordable, making it a practical solution for Sierra Leone’s transportation sector. With most commercial bike riders averaging 80 miles per day, the efficiency, resilience, and enhanced security features of this motorbike stand out as transformative for both institutional and private users alike.
In accepting this donation, NPPA has been mindful of its obligations under the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2008 as amended in 2019. Section 51(4) of the Act requires every public institution to maintain a gift register for all gifts or donations valued at Five Hundred (New) Leones and above. Where a gift exceeds Five Hundred (New) Leones, or aggregates to that amount from a single source within a year, the recipient must report it to the Commission and include it in their annual asset declaration. In full compliance with this provision, NPPA has recorded the donation in its institutional gift register and will reflect it accordingly in its asset disclosures, underscoring its commitment to transparency and accountability.
Furthermore, NPPA is part of the global campaign to reduce carbon emissions and promote green procurement. The Authority strongly supports initiatives of this nature and encourages businesses to invest in renewable energy technologies that advance Sierra Leone’s green growth agenda. The government itself can equally invest in this initiative, thereby scaling up the use of renewable mobility across public institutions and setting the pace for broader national adoption.
The acceptance of this donation therefore aligns perfectly with Sierra Leone’s wider commitment to sustainable development and environmentally friendly practices. By adopting cost-effective and eco-conscious technologies, NPPA demonstrates leadership in promoting innovations that not only reduce carbon footprints but also lower dependency on fossil fuels.
Ultimately, this partnership between SMOVE Vehicles SL Ltd. and NPPA underscores the role of private sector contributions in supporting national institutions. It highlights how innovation and corporate responsibility can merge to drive development goals, improve efficiency, and contribute to Sierra Leone’s green growth agenda. Above all, it serves as a clarion call to the private sector to collaborate with governance institutions and forge a positive relationship and future for the common good of all.
For more information on the activities of the NPPA, please contact us at: infor@nppa.gov.sl or visit our website at: www.nppa.gov.sl.
