Masood Kipanya

The Tanzanian Artist Driving Africa's Electric Vehicle Revolution

In the heart of Tanzania, a remarkable story of innovation and determination is unfolding, one that challenges the traditional narratives surrounding Africa's technological capabilities. Meet Masood Kipanya, a visionary artist and engineer whose passion for creativity has led him to design and construct Tanzania's first locally-made electric vehicle.

A Fusion of Art and Engineering

Masood Kipanya's journey into t he world of automotive engineering is a testament to the boundless potential that lies at the intersection of art and technology. As a nationally acclaimed cartoonist, Kipanya's creative prowess was already well-established. However, his desire to push the boundaries of his craft led him to embark on an audacious project – designing and building an electric vehicle from the ground up.

"I think every artist is an engineer, whether knowingly or unknowingly," Kipanya says, reflecting on the natural progression of his career. "Every person who can draw can be an engineer because you talk about designing whatever we build; it has to start from the mind first, and you put it on paper, you draw it or you design it, and then, at the end of the day, you build."

A Homegrown Solution to Fuel Self-Reliance Masood

Kipanya's electric vehicle prototype is a commercial pickup truck that boasts impressive specifications, including a top speed of 100 kilometers per hour and a range of 80 kilometers on a single six-hour charge. While electric cars are not entirely new to Tanzania, Kipanya's creation stands out as a homegrown solution, meticulously designed and built from scratch using locally sourced materials.

Kipanya's motivation for undertaking this ambitious project goes beyond mere technological curiosity; it stems from a deep-rooted desire to foster self-reliance and economic growth within his nation.

"How are you going to survive if you depend on importing everything from outside?" he asks rhetorically. "Let's start making our own things. By doing so, not only do you depend on yourself, but your economy grows because you only spend inside. Sometimes, again, you can even make an export."

Inspiring a Generation of African Innovators

Masood Kipanya's groundbreaking achievement has already garnered widespread attention and praise within Tanzania and beyond. Car experts and industry analysts have lauded his