IN a significant shift toward sustainability and improved urban mobility, Africa is witnessing a growing adoption of electric transportation solutions. This trend not only promises to make travel more affordable but also plays a crucial role in curbing emissions across the continent’s industries. Several African countries are leading the charge in embracing electric vehicles (EVs), bringing hope for a cleaner and more accessible future.
Nigeria
Nigeria is taking a bold step toward easing traffic congestion in its bustling urban centres with the initiation of an electric train service. The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority has introduced electric trains on the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line, aiming to carry a daily load of 175,000 to 200,000 passengers, with a potential to serve up to 500,000 daily commuters upon completion.
In addition to the electric train service, Possible Electric Vehicle Solution, a Nigerian electric mobility company, is gearing up to establish EV assembly plants in Nigeria, with a projected annual production of 10,000 EVs, including minibuses, tricycles, pickups, and taxis. This move aligns with the burgeoning EV sector in Africa, which is forecasted to reach a value of $21.4bn by 2027.
South Africa
South Africa is making strides in both the adoption and production of EVs. Leading online retailer Takealot has teamed up with renewable energy company Aeversa and vehicle supplier Avis to introduce a fleet of electric trucks. In a groundbreaking move, they have also unveiled the largest DC fast charging station in the Western Cape, boasting an impressive 240 kW capacity for 2023, setting a new standard in the commercial vehicle industry. These electric trucks, set to become operational in October 2023, are part of Takealot’s commitment to sustainable e-commerce in South Africa.
Meanwhile, Divaine Growth Solutions and Oando, two clean energy companies, are collaborating to launch an EV ecosystem in Cape Town. The pilot phase includes the procurement of electric buses, the installation of charging stations, and support for renewable power projects throughout Cape Town. This partnership aims to stimulate job opportunities, foster innovation, align with climate objectives, and strengthen the local EV industry while enhancing grid stability.
Egypt
Egypt is at the forefront of North African EV efforts. Private auto manufacturer EgyptSat Auto, in partnership with the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport, is set to introduce Egypt’s first locally produced EV by early 2024. This endeavour includes the establishment of an EV factory that will produce electric passenger cars, buses, motorcycles, and charging stations, generating 500 jobs and fostering entrepreneurship in Egypt’s growing EV industry.
Additionally, Egypt’s Supreme Council for Vehicle Construction has given the green light to Shift EV and BluEV, two local electric mobility companies, to convert over 100,000 internal combustion vehicles into electric drives. Shift EV plans to convert 100,000 vehicles over the next five years, focusing on pickups and minivans, while BluEV will convert two- and three-wheelers, offering battery leasing and a network of battery swap stations. These initiatives support Egypt’s transition to EVs, driven by government initiatives and international partnerships.
Kenya
Kenya Power, the nation’s primary electricity distributor, has embarked on a four-year mission to convert its 2,000 gasoline and diesel vehicles into electric models, aligning with the growing adoption of EVs in East Africa, fuelled by abundant renewable energy resources. The strategy involves retrofitting existing vehicles and procuring new EVs, capitalising on robust electricity generation capacity and facilitating off-peak EV charging.
In addition to Kenya Power, private enterprises like Kenya-based start-up Roam, Kenyan-Swedish start-up Opibus, and Kenyan e-mobility company BasiGo are actively advancing EV developments in the country. BasiGo has secured $6.6 million for local electric bus production and aims to deliver 15 buses in 2023.
Rwanda
In East Africa, Rwanda is experiencing the rise of a start-up ecosystem with a strong focus on EVs, particularly electric two-wheelers. More than 20 start-ups have raised over $25 million in investments by the end of 2021. Volkswagen began electric car production in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, in October 2019, while Siemens plans to install 15 charging stations in the city. Ampersand, a Rwandan company, has introduced electric bicycles equipped with batteries boasting a 75-km range.
Uganda
Uganda’s Kiira Motors Corporation, a state-owned facility, is showcasing its commitment to electric mobility with two battery-powered cars and a solar-powered bus, collectively known as the Kayoola Electric Vehicle Series. Developed through internal green mobility technology at Kiira Motors in collaboration with Chinese Equipment Manufacturer Motor Co. Ltd., the electric bus can carry up to 90 passengers and has an impressive range of nearly 300 km, outperforming diesel-powered buses. This innovation represents a significant leap toward eco-friendly urban transportation in Uganda.
