Japan-Born EV Minibus 'Smart BUS' Launches First Commercial Operation in the Republic of Ghana

Ceremony ribbon-cutting moment

MAGO MOTORS JAPAN Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter 'MAGO MOTORS JAPAN'), the company behind the EV minibus 'Smart BUS' (MAGO Group designation: 'MANA', hereinafter 'MANA'), held a launch event for the electric minibus on Friday, June 19, 2026, at the 'MENSVIC GRAND HOTEL' in Accra, the capital of Ghana. This large hotel is also used as a venue for the Japanese Association's general meeting. Located just a short 10-minute ride from the airport via major roads, the minibus will now begin operating as a guest shuttle service for the hotel.

On the day of the event, a total of 32 participants attended, including representatives from JICA Ghana Office, the Embassy of Japan in Ghana, local government officials, and university affiliates.

For this launch, vehicle wrapping was carried out in collaboration with Qvou Inc., known for its 'Nomu Silica' brand, and JICA Ghana Office. This initiative was made possible by both organizations sharing MAGO MOTORS JAPAN’s vision of early resolution of environmental and poverty issues in Ghana’s slum areas.

Moving forward, MAGO MOTORS JAPAN will continue to promote co-creation with various companies and organizations to develop sustainable businesses together with the people of Ghana.

Qvou Inc. 'Nomu Silica' Vehicle Wrap

JICA Ghana Office Project Wrap

● About the EV Minibus 'MANA' Project

MANA is an EV minibus manufactured and sold by Assemble Point Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo). MAGO MOTORS JAPAN acquired and owns the vehicles and is leading their deployment in Ghana. In the summer of 2024, four Ghanaian automotive engineers from MAGO MOTORS LTD. underwent approximately six months of EV assembly training at Assemble Point’s manufacturing base in the Philippines. Upon returning to Ghana, they applied their assembly skills, with MAGO MOTORS JAPAN taking the lead in promoting the introduction of EV minibuses in the country. Through this project, MAGO MOTORS JAPAN aims to support its goal of creating 10,000 local jobs in Ghana, while advancing the adoption of EV buses, enhancing technological advancement, and realizing comfortable, sustainable living.

● What is 'MANA'?

MANA is a Japan-developed EV minibus featuring swappable (exchangeable) batteries, enabling operation without dependence on EV charging stations. It is designed for environmentally sensitive areas and regions where large-scale EV stations cannot be installed, and is already being introduced in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines.

● About MAGO MOTORS JAPAN

Operating under the business concept of 'Sustainable Capitalism'—a model that sustainably turns the three gears of 'culture,' 'economy,' and 'social contribution' to solve social issues through economic activity—MAGO MOTORS JAPAN is headquartered in Agbogbloshie, a slum area in Ghana known as the 'world’s largest electronic waste graveyard.' Through EV operations, recycling, and agriculture, the company works to reduce local waste, improve air and soil pollution, and create 10,000 local jobs by 2030.

Comment from Taichi Kimura, Director, MAGO MOTORS JAPAN Co., Ltd.

"Approximately four years since the initial concept of our EV business, we have successfully realized operations and a launch event in Accra, Ghana’s capital, thanks to the support of many. In Ghana, EV vehicle regulations and infrastructure are still underdeveloped. However, this marks a significant step forward as a business that creates clean, sustainable local employment. Going forward, we will continue to implement the concept of Sustainable Capitalism and strive toward solving social issues."

Comment from Ryutaro Kubo, Representative Director, Qvou Inc.

"We believe this initiative with the EV minibus 'Smart BUS' is highly meaningful, simultaneously achieving reduced environmental impact and regional economic development. Beyond simply providing mobility, it represents a sustainable model that fosters local talent, creates employment, and contributes to solving social issues—aligning perfectly with our company’s mission of 'enhancing customers’ lives and delivering joy.' We sincerely look forward to the further development of this public-private collaborative project building future infrastructure, and we fully support and endorse its vision."

Comment from Takayuki Uchiyama, Director, JICA Ghana Office

"This bus is less a 'means of transportation' and more a 'message' itself. I truly believe it represents a major step forward in advancing both environmental action and inclusive society-building. I am genuinely excited and looking forward to seeing the artwork by children with disabilities—created through JICA’s 'FUNclusion – Envisioning a Diverse Future with Africa' initiative—traveling across Accra. I hope such initiatives will become the new standard in Ghana."

● Profile of Magoma Nagasaka, Representative Director, MAGO MOTORS JAPAN Co., Ltd.

Born in Fukui Prefecture in 1984. In 2017, he visited Agbogbloshie, a slum in Ghana, where he encountered people who make a living by burning electronic waste discarded by developed nations. Since then, he has created artworks from waste materials, using the proceeds to build recycling facilities locally, while also launching businesses in eco-friendly agriculture and EVs. He advocates for 'Sustainable Capitalism,' a new capitalist model where economy, culture, and environment (social contribution) form a virtuous cycle, and continues to work energetically to transform slums into sustainable towns. He established MAGO MOTORS LTD. in Ghana, where 102 people are currently employed (as of June 2026). In 2022, he held his first museum solo exhibition at Ueno no Mori Museum in Tokyo and received the 51st Best Dressed Award (Academic/Cultural category). In 2025, he will exhibit 'Middle Jellyfish "Umituki"', a work made from recycled PET bottles, at the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

【Company Overview】

Company Name: MAGO MOTORS JAPAN Co., Ltd.

Representative: Magoma Nagasaka, Representative Director

Headquarters: 3-31-2 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0014

Founded: September 1, 2022

Business Activities: Development, manufacturing, and sales of electric mobility; manufacturing, processing, and sales of recycled plastic materials; import, processing, and sales of agricultural processed goods

Website: https://magomotorsjapan.com/

【Media Contact】

MAGO MOTORS JAPAN Co., Ltd. Contact: Taichi Kimura

E-MAIL: kimura@magomotors.