VivoPower’s Tembo signs Definitive Supply Agreement with pre-eminent African safari operator Asilia Africa
VivoPower International (Nasdaq: VVPR) announced that its subsidiary, Tembo e-LV, has signed a definitive supply agreement with Asilia Africa, a leading safari operator, to provide electric vehicle conversion kits for their fleet operations in East Africa. The first phase will begin in February 2025, with Tembo supplying EUV25 EPower conversion kits for Asilia's Landcruisers, with assembly to be completed locally in Kenya.
Asilia Africa, established in 2004, operates 16 camps across Kenya and Tanzania, employing nearly 1,000 people and managing 165 Landcruisers. The partnership aims to reduce diesel consumption and carbon emissions by replacing diesel-powered vehicles with electric utility vehicles in remote safari camps. This initiative aligns with Asilia's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2025 and VivoPower's mission to deliver sustainable energy solutions.
VivoPower International (Nasdaq: VVPR) ha annunciato che la sua filiale, Tembo e-LV, ha firmato un accordo di fornitura definitivo con Asilia Africa, un operatore safari leader, per fornire kit di conversione per veicoli elettrici per le loro operazioni di flotta in Africa orientale. La prima fase inizierà a febbraio 2025, con Tembo che fornirà kit di conversione EUV25 EPower per i Landcruiser di Asilia, con l'assemblaggio che sarà completato localmente in Kenya.
Asilia Africa, fondata nel 2004, gestisce 16 campi tra Kenya e Tanzania, impiegando quasi 1.000 persone e gestendo 165 Landcruiser. La partnership mira a ridurre il consumo di diesel e le emissioni di carbonio sostituendo i veicoli alimentati a diesel con veicoli elettrici utilitari nei campi safari remoti. Questa iniziativa si allinea con l'obiettivo di Asilia di raggiungere la neutralità carbonica entro il 2025 e con la missione di VivoPower di fornire soluzioni energetiche sostenibili.
VivoPower International (Nasdaq: VVPR) anunció que su subsidiaria, Tembo e-LV, ha firmado un acuerdo de suministro definitivo con Asilia Africa, un operador de safaris líder, para proporcionar kits de conversión de vehículos eléctricos para sus operaciones de flota en África oriental. La primera fase comenzará en febrero de 2025, con Tembo suministrando kits de conversión EUV25 EPower para los Landcruisers de Asilia, con el ensamblaje que se completará localmente en Kenia.
Asilia Africa, establecida en 2004, opera 16 campamentos en Kenia y Tanzania, empleando a cerca de 1,000 personas y gestionando 165 Landcruisers. La asociación tiene como objetivo reducir el consumo de diésel y las emisiones de carbono reemplazando los vehículos de diésel por vehículos utilitarios eléctricos en campamentos de safari remotos. Esta iniciativa se alinea con el objetivo de Asilia de alcanzar la neutralidad de carbono para 2025 y con la misión de VivoPower de ofrecer soluciones de energía sostenibles.
비보파워 인터내셔널 (Nasdaq: VVPR)는 그 자회사인 템보 e-LV가 아프리카 동부의 플릿 운영을 위해 전기차 변환 키트를 제공하는 공급 계약을 아실리아 아프리카와 체결했다고 발표했습니다. 첫 번째 단계는 2025년 2월에 시작될 예정이며, 템보는 아실리아의 랜드크루저에 EUV25 EPower 변환 키트를 공급하고, 조립은 케냐에서 현지 완료됩니다.
2004년에 설립된 아실리아 아프리카는 케냐와 탄자니아에 16개의 캠프를 운영하며, 약 1,000명의 직원을 고용하고 165대의 랜드크루저를 관리하고 있습니다. 이 파트너십은 오지의 사파리 캠프에서 디젤 차량을 전기 유틸리티 차량으로 대체하여 디젤 소비와 탄소 배출량을 줄이는 것을 목표로 하고 있습니다. 이 이니셔티브는 2025년까지 탄소 중립 달성을 목표로 하고 있는 아실리아와 지속 가능한 에너지 솔루션을 제공하려는 비보파워의 미션에 부합합니다.
VivoPower International (Nasdaq: VVPR) a annoncé que sa filiale, Tembo e-LV, a signé un accord de fourniture définitif avec Asilia Africa, un opérateur safari de premier plan, pour fournir des kits de conversion de véhicules électriques pour ses opérations de flotte en Afrique de l'Est. La première phase commencera en février 2025, Tembo fournissant des kits de conversion EUV25 EPower pour les Landcruisers d'Asilia, l'assemblage étant réalisé localement au Kenya.
Asilia Africa, fondée en 2004, exploite 16 camps au Kenya et en Tanzanie, employant près de 1 000 personnes et gérant 165 Landcruisers. Le partenariat vise à réduire la consommation de diesel et les émissions de carbone en remplaçant les véhicules diesel par des véhicules utilitaires électriques dans des camps de safari reculés. Cette initiative est en ligne avec l'objectif d'Asilia d'atteindre la neutralité carbone d'ici 2025 et la mission de VivoPower de fournir des solutions énergétiques durables.
VivoPower International (Nasdaq: VVPR) kündigte an, dass ihre Tochtergesellschaft Tembo e-LV einen endgültigen Liefervertrag mit Asilia Africa, einem führenden Safari-Betreiber, unterzeichnet hat, um Umrüstkits für Elektrofahrzeuge für deren Flottenbetriebe in Ostafrika bereitzustellen. Die erste Phase beginnt im Februar 2025, wobei Tembo EUV25 EPower Umrüstkits für die Landcruiser von Asilia liefern wird, die Montage erfolgt vor Ort in Kenia.
Asilia Africa, 2004 gegründet, betreibt 16 Camps in Kenia und Tansania, beschäftigt fast 1.000 Mitarbeiter und verwaltet 165 Landcruiser. Die Partnerschaft zielt darauf ab, den Dieselverbrauch und die Kohlenstoffemissionen zu reduzieren, indem dieselbetriebene Fahrzeuge in abgelegenen Safaricamps durch elektroutility Fahrzeuge ersetzt werden. Diese Initiative stimmt mit Asilias Ziel überein, bis 2025 Kohlenstoffneutralität zu erreichen, sowie mit der Mission von VivoPower, nachhaltige Energielösungen anzubieten.
- Secured supply agreement with major safari operator operating 165 Landcruisers
- Local assembly in Kenya creates operational efficiency
- Partnership with established company (Asilia) operating 16 camps with 1,000 employees
- First deliveries scheduled for February 2025
- Revenue impact not disclosed
- Delivery timeline suggests no immediate revenue contribution
Insights
This supply agreement represents a strategic breakthrough for VivoPower in the $43.7 billion African tourism market. The initial phase targeting Asilia's 165 Landcruisers creates a proving ground for Tembo's technology in one of the world's most demanding environments. The local assembly in Kenya adds significant value by reducing logistics costs and creating potential for regional expansion.
The partnership's true value extends beyond the immediate deal. Asilia's position as a premium safari operator and their network of 16 camps creates a high-visibility showcase for Tembo's technology. Success here could catalyze adoption across East Africa's estimated 2,500+ safari vehicles. The B Corp certification alignment adds credibility in the increasingly ESG-conscious luxury tourism sector.
Key competitive advantages include Tembo's ruggedized EV technology specifically designed for extreme conditions and the first-mover advantage in the safari market. The local assembly strategy creates barriers to entry for competitors while positioning VivoPower for broader African market penetration. The timing aligns perfectly with the global push toward sustainable tourism and Africa's growing focus on eco-friendly solutions.
The deployment of Tembo's EUV25 EPower conversion kits in safari operations represents a significant technical validation of EV technology in extreme conditions. The silent operation of electric vehicles provides a important advantage for wildlife viewing, while the elimination of local emissions protects sensitive ecosystems.
The infrastructure requirements for charging in remote locations will likely drive additional renewable energy investments, creating a virtuous cycle of sustainable operations. Safari lodges typically rely on diesel generators, so this transition could catalyze the adoption of solar and storage solutions, potentially reducing operational costs by 40-60% over the vehicle's lifetime.
The success of this implementation could establish a blueprint for electrifying remote operations globally, particularly in mining, agriculture and other tourism applications. The local assembly approach ensures maintenance capability and knowledge transfer, critical factors for long-term sustainability in emerging markets.
First phase of Definitive Supply Agreement will see Tembo deliver its EUV25 EPower conversion kits for Asilia’s fleet of Landcruisers, commencing from February 2025
Partnership will establish Asilia Africa and Tembo e-LV as key enablers of sustainable tourism in Africa, with a goal to scale across Asilia’s 16 camps and broader industry networks
Tembo’s 4x4 electric utility vehicles, renowned for durability in extreme conditions, will transport guests, staff, and supplies while operating entirely on renewable energy
Initiative is expected to reduce Asilia’s annual diesel consumption and carbon emissions, advancing both companies’ net-zero goals
Partnership reinforces Asilia Africa and VivoPower’s commitment to ESG leadership as fellow Certified B Corporations
LONDON, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VivoPower International PLC (Nasdaq: VVPR) ("VivoPower" or the "Company") announced today that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Tembo e-LV B.V. (“Tembo”), has entered into a definitive supply agreement with the pre-eminent safari operator and fellow Certified B Corporation, Asilia Africa (“Asilia”), to deploy Tembo’s ruggedized electric utility vehicles across Asilia’s safari operations in East Africa, marking a transformative step toward decarbonizing the tourism sector in Africa.
Under the first phase of the agreement, Tembo will supply its next generation EUV25 EPower conversion kits, with the first delivery scheduled from the end of February 2025. Assembly will be completed locally in Kenya.
Established in 2004, Asilia Africa has become a renowned leader in immersive safari experiences across East Africa. It is committed to delivering exceptional safaris while safeguarding the region’s ecosystems and wildlife. Asilia owns 16 bespoke camps and lodges across Kenya and Tanzania, employing nearly 1,000 people. It operates 165 Landcruisers as part of its vehicle fleet. Asilia is a member of the Nawiri Group, a B Corp Certified organization dedicated to sustainable, community-driven impact in East Africa.
The definitive supply agreement between VivoPower and Asilia underscores a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and innovation—core tenets of the B Corporation certification held by both companies.
The partnership aligns with VivoPower’s mission to deliver sustainable energy and transportation solutions that enhance operational resilience and cost savings while reducing carbon footprints. It also builds upon Asilia’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2025 while preserving the pristine ecosystems central to its business. Tembo’s purpose-built electric utility vehicles (EUVs) will replace diesel-powered fleets in Asilia’s remote safari camps, eliminating emissions, noise pollution, and operational reliance on fossil fuels in ecologically sensitive regions.
Matthew Nestor, VivoPower’s Global Head of Partnerships and Sales, said: “We are delighted to have been selected by Asilia as their fleet electrification partner. This partnership exemplifies how aligned values drive meaningful progress in sustainability. Asilia’s leadership in eco-conscious tourism and Tembo’s ruggedized EV technology combined, can prove that electrification will be effective even in the most challenging environments—protecting wildlife, supporting local communities, and offering guests a cleaner, quieter safari experience.”
Gerard Beaton, Head of Operations, Asilia Africa, said:
“Asilia Africa is committed to pioneering sustainable tourism solutions that protect and preserve the incredible ecosystems we call home. We are very pleased to be partnering with a fellow B Corporation in VivoPower and Tembo as we accelerate our plans of reducing our environmental footprint while enhancing the safari experience for our guests. By integrating Tembo’s electric utility vehicles into our fleet, we can not only lower our carbon emissions but also contribute to the long-term sustainability of Africa’s wilderness. This collaboration reflects our dedication to responsible tourism, innovation, and community-driven impact, ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the magic of East Africa’s landscapes and wildlife.”
About EUV25 EPower conversion kit
The EUV25 EPower kit is the latest electric conversion kit for Landcruisers, specifically designed to accommodate rugged off-road terrain and conditions, as well as heavy payload. Tembo’s EUV25 builds on the legendary design of the Land Cruiser LC70, which has been an iconic and ubiquitous mode of transportation throughout Africa. Because of its rugged reliability and adaptability to challenging terrains, the LC70 has secured its place as the vehicle of choice traversing vast deserts, remote areas, and mountainous landscapes. Its durable design and ability to withstand extreme temperatures has made it indispensable for industries such as remote ecotourism, resources exploration, agriculture, and logistics.
About VivoPower
Established in 2014 and listed on Nasdaq since 2016, VivoPower is an award-winning global sustainable energy solutions B Corporation company focussed on electric solutions for off-road and on-road customised and ruggedised fleet applications as well as ancillary financing, charging, battery and microgrids solutions. VivoPower’s core purpose is to provide its customers with turnkey decarbonisation solutions that enable them to move toward net-zero carbon status. VivoPower has operations and personnel covering Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United States, the Philippines, and the United Arab Emirates.
About Asilia Africa
Founded in 2004 on a deep-rooted passion for conservation and community empowerment, Asilia Africa has been a leader in immersive safari experiences across East Africa for decades. True to its Swahili name—meaning “authentic” and “genuine”—Asilia is committed to delivering exceptional safaris while safeguarding the region’s ecosystems and wildlife.
Since its origins with Rekero Camp in 1986 and Oliver’s Camp in 1992, Asilia has grown into a premier safari operator with 16 bespoke camps and lodges across Kenya and Tanzania, employing nearly 1,000 people. The company harnesses the power of tourism to create lasting positive change, from responsibly sourcing energy and materials to supporting local communities and conservation initiatives.
Asilia is a proud member of the Nawiri Group, a B Corp Certified organization dedicated to sustainable, community-driven impact in East Africa. Through meaningful partnerships and a steadfast commitment to responsible travel, Asilia continues to inspire the next generation of adventurers and conservationists alike.
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