E-Kekes Launch in Sierra Leone to Cut Fuel Costs and Reduce Pollution

Sierra Leone is taking a big step toward cleaner and more affordable transport by launching electric three-wheelers, called “e-kekes,” in Freetown.

This project is part of a larger effort to cut fuel costs, reduce pollution, and modernize the country’s transport system.

The Environmental Protection Agency of Sierra Leone (EPA-SL) is leading the initiative, with support from the European Union, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

The project, called “Supporting Sierra Leone with the Shift to Electric Mobility,” aims to improve air quality, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and provide a cleaner alternative to fuel-powered vehicles.

Freetown will be the first city to receive 15 e-kekes in the project’s initial phase.One of the project’s main goals is to promote gender inclusion, with 30% of the e-keke drivers expected to be women.

This initiative not only helps the environment but also creates job opportunities for women in the transport sector.

To make e-kekes more practical, the project is developing rules and policies, testing battery-swapping stations, and creating business models to support their adoption.

Battery-swapping stations will allow drivers to replace empty batteries with fully charged ones quickly, reducing waiting time and keeping their vehicles on the road longer.

Traditional three-wheelers use about 4 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers, adding to air pollution.

Air pollution is a serious health issue, and the UN estimates it contributes to 394,000 premature deaths in Africa every year.

By replacing gas-powered kekes with electric ones, Sierra Leone aims to reduce harmful emissions and improve public health.

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Although e-kekes cost more initially—about 1.2 to 1.5 times the price of traditional models—they offer long-term financial benefits.

Their lower operating costs and battery-swapping system make them more affordable for drivers.

E-keke operators will also pay lower daily rental fees of just $1.5, compared to $5 for conventional kekes.

This makes e-kekes a cost-effective solution in the long run.

The e-keke project is part of Sierra Leone’s broader plan to promote electric two- and three-wheelers, which currently make up 10% of the country’s vehicle fleet.

By shifting to electric transport, Sierra Leone hopes to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and move closer to its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

The initiative also aims to boost local businesses and create jobs in the growing electric vehicle sector.

Beyond Freetown, GIZ/EnDev Sierra Leone is working to bring electric mobility to other parts of the country.

They are inviting youth groups and riders’ unions in Kono, Kenema, and Bo to participate in a pilot project for solar-powered e-keke motorcycles.

Expanding electric transport to more cities will increase the project’s impact and bring sustainable transport solutions to a wider population.

Sierra Leone’s move towards electric transport is a major step toward a cleaner, healthier, and more affordable mobility system.

By adopting electric vehicles, the country hopes to improve air quality, reduce fuel dependence, and create new economic opportunities.

This project could serve as a model for other African countries looking to transition to green transportation.