A Zimbabwe-based nonprofit has filed a lawsuit accusing the Toyota Mobility Foundation, a charity funded by Toyota, of misappropriating its electric vehicle design and business model and handing them over to a for-profit company in Kenya. The project, known as Hamba, developed an affordable three-wheeled electric cargo vehicle aimed at helping rural African farmers transport goods to market.
According to the suit, Mobility for Africa created not only the vehicle but also an integrated solar charging and battery-swap system, and devised a lease payment plan around $45 per week to make the technology accessible. The partnership with the Toyota Mobility Foundation began in 2019, under terms that prohibited the foundation from sharing the nonprofit's intellectual property. However, Mobility for Africa alleges that the foundation later funded Songa Mobility, a startup whose vehicles and operational model are nearly indistinguishable from the Hamba project.
The nonprofit further claims that references to Mobility for Africa were removed from Toyota's promotional materials while its own funding was terminated. This accusation comes amid increased scrutiny of Toyota’s electric vehicle initiatives and environmental commitments from advocacy groups. The Toyota Mobility Foundation acknowledged the lawsuit and said it is reviewing the matter. Neither Toyota nor Exa Innovation Studio, which is connected to Songa Mobility, have issued official responses in court yet.