Written by ; Faith Jemosop.
Several African nations are taking bold steps toward electrifying their transportation sectors. In January 2024, Ethiopia became the first country globally to ban the import of gasoline and diesel vehicles, aiming to reduce reliance on costly fuel imports and promote environmental sustainability. But with just half the population connected to the power grid and only a single public charging station available, the shift to electric vehicles has faced serious obstacles.
Kenya has emerged as a hub for electric mobility innovation, with 40 local startups raising $52 million in financing the highest on the continent. Companies like BasiGo have introduced electric buses with innovative financing models, such as “pay as you drive,” allowing operators to pay based on kilometers driven. These buses have collectively traveled over a million kilometers, carried over 1.3 million passengers, and prevented the emission of over 200 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
Morocco, Africa’s largest automotive producer, is shifting gears to prepare for the electric vehicle era. With an annual production of 700,000 vehicles and significant exports to Europe, Morocco aims to attract EV projects to sustain its growth.
Despite ongoing efforts, progress is increasingly constrained by the resurgence of protectionist policies and the critical need for infrastructure transformation. These challenges continue to shape and in some cases stall the continent’s transition to electric mobility.
1.The lack of charging infrastructure
While countries like South Africa and Kenya have made strides, most of the continent remains underserved. South Africa, for instance, has just over 300 public charging stations, a fraction of what’s needed. Without extensive and accessible charging infrastructure, potential buyers remain hesitant, viewing EVs as impractical for daily use.
Africa’s electricity grid also faces severe limitations, with frequent outages and limited access in rural areas. Supporting EV adoption requires reliable and expanded grid capacity, which is currently lacking.
In nations like Nigeria, where electricity access remains inconsistent, adding the load of EV charging is a significant challenge. Furthermore, renewable energy integration is essential to ensure that the environmental benefits of EVs are not undermined by reliance on fossil fuel-based grids.
2.Economic Hurdles and Policy Gaps
With most EVs imported from Europe and Asia, tariffs and shipping costs further inflate prices. In South Africa, for example, EVs cost nearly twice as much as conventional vehicles, making them unaffordable for the average consumer. This financial barrier exacerbates the gap between potential and actual EV adoption across the continent.
While countries like Rwanda have implemented measures such as rent-free land for charging stations and tax exemptions for EVs, others lag behind. A coordinated approach across the continent is needed to create a unified framework that encourages investment and innovation in the EV sector.
3.Local Innovations and Startups Leading the Charge
Local startups are playing a pivotal role in advancing electric mobility in Africa. In Kenya, BasiGo’s innovative financing models have made electric buses more accessible to operators. Ghana’s SolarTaxi assembles and maintains electric vehicles, including cars, bikes, and tricycles, and has expanded its services to include charging unit installations and battery pack manufacturing. These companies exemplify how Africa can produce its own solutions while aligning with global trends.
In Rwanda, Ampersand has developed affordable electric motorcycles tailored for African transport needs. These initiatives not only address transportation challenges but also create job opportunities in manufacturing, maintenance, and infrastructure development.
Also Read: Kabisa’s 2,400 km journey fuels electric mobility in Africa.
The Opportunities and Challenges
The shift to electric mobility offers significant advantages for Africa. EVs can reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, improving public health and tackling climate change. They can also cut down on the need for imported fossil fuels, easing the financial burden on many economies. By using locally produced electricity, especially from renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydro, African nations can improve energy security.
Challenges such as limited infrastructure, high costs, and policy gaps remain. Addressing these issues requires collaborative efforts between governments, private investors, and local communities.
Investing in renewable energy, creating supportive policies, and encouraging local innovation can help African countries lead the way in sustainable transportation.
