In a bold move that’s redefining urban transport in Ethiopia, Japanese entrepreneur Yuma Sasaki is powering a silent revolution on two wheels. Through his fast-growing startup, Dodai, he is Bringing dependable electric mobility to the streets of Addis Ababa. 

In just under a year, Sasaki’s electric vehicle startup, Dodai, has transformed the conversation around green transport in Ethiopia, quickly becoming the country’s fastest-growing EV company. 

Founded in 2022, the startup is making waves not just for its product, but for its bold vision: revolutionizing last-mile delivery with durable, efficient electric two-wheelers in one of Africa’s toughest markets.

Unlike flashy tech brands, Dodai is not chasing luxury its targeting utility. Its electric bikes, retailing around $1,800, are optimized for commercial use, especially for delivery-based businesses. Each bike boasts a range of 150 kilometers on a single charge outpacing cheaper Chinese competitors with less reliable, lead-acid battery-powered models.

“Our growth has come from staying focused on reliability and efficiency,” Sasaki told Rest of the World. “In Africa, regulation change, political stability, and supply chain infrastructure are ongoing challenges. Unless you are a long-term investor, you won’t be happy.”

That edge paid off. Even before launching to the public, Dodai secured a major win: a partnership with the Ethiopian Postal Service, which remains its biggest client today. Small businesses and government agencies quickly followed suit, drawn to the brand’s efficiency and customer-centric design.

Dodai’s success is powered literally by its decision to use lithium-ion batteries. Faster to charge, longer-lasting, and more durable, they’ve become a key differentiator in Ethiopia’s growing but uneven EV market. And Sasaki is keeping his eye on the evolving needs of users.

“Delivery riders may lean toward battery swapping, while commuters will prefer fixed batteries. Our approach will remain flexible, continuously adjusting to serve both segments effectively.” He added. 

With giants like China’s Yadea and smartphone titan Transsion now eyeing the same space, competition is heating up. But Sasaki, with his eyes set firmly on long-term impact rather than short-term wins, isn’t backing down.

Dodai is not just selling bikes it’s building trust, one electric ride at a time.