Countries across East Africa are reimagining mobility – not just as a service, but as a pathway to a cleaner and more inclusive future.
By Philip Mwangangi | E-Mobility Series
From the idyllic uplands of Kigali to the animated rush of Nairobi, something exciting is happening across East Africa; a new kind of engine hum is replacing the roar of petrol. Electric motorcycles, buses, and even tuk-tuks are hitting the roads – offering a glimpse into a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable transport future.
Electric motorcycles zoom past traffic with barely a sound. Buses powered by lithium-ion batteries are smoothly making their way through city streets. And charging stations—once just a hopeful idea—are now popping up in malls, fuel stations, and even public parking lots. The region is quickly embracing the future of e-mobility, fuelled by a powerful combination of innovation, supportive policies, and the pressing need to tackle climate change.
The Shift in motion
Africa is urbanising rapidly, and with that comes a growing demand for transport solutions that are efficient, affordable, and sustainable. Traditional transport – largely dependent on fossil fuels – is high-priced, polluting, and gradually discordant with cities aiming for green growth. That’s where e-mobility steps in.
According to the African Development Bank (AfdB), transport accounts for about 10% of Africa’s greenhouse gas emissions, and motorbike taxis alone are responsible for a substantial share of urban air pollution. In response, East African countries are reimagining mobility – not just as a service, but as a pathway to a cleaner and more inclusive future.
Across East Africa, urban air pollution, high fuel costs, and a pressing climate crisis have forced governments and entrepreneurs to rethink how people move. The result? A regional surge in e-mobility innovation, backed by bold policy choices and visionary startups.
Rwanda: The trailblazer
Rwanda is leading the charge. It is the first country in the region with a structured e-mobility strategy and investor-friendly regulations. The government offers incentives like tax exemptions on electric vehicles and batteries, and has even designated e-mobility as a priority sector in its Vision 2050 agenda.
The government’s push toward a carbon-neutral future has created fertile ground for startups like Ampersand and Safemotos, which are electrifying the popular moto-taxi industry.
Ampersand, for instance, has deployed over 1,000 electric motorcycles and established a network of battery-swap stations across Kigali. Riders save money—up to 40% in fuel and maintenance costs—and the environmental impact is significant: each e-moto cuts about one ton of CO₂ annually.
“We’re not just selling bikes,” says Josh Whale, Ampersand’s founder and CEO of Ampersand, and the executive with the most experience at running an electric mobility business in Africa.
“We’re selling a better business model for drivers and a cleaner planet,” he adds.
Whale observes that “the average moto driver saves 40% on daily operating costs. It’s not just green—it’s profitable.”
Quick Stats:
- 1,000+ electric motorcycles on Rwandan roads.
- 10+ battery-swap stations in Kigali.
- Government targets 30% of motorcycles to be electric by 2030.
Kenya: The Innovation Hub
Kenya is fast becoming the tech and e-mobility powerhouse of the region. Companies like Roam and BasiGo are rolling out fleets of locally designed electric buses and motorcycles. Nairobi now boasts multiple charging points, and more are planned as part of the National Electric Mobility Strategy.
Nairobi’s traffic-clogged roads are now home to electric buses from BasiGo, which partners with public transport operators to offer electric buses on a pay-as-you-drive model. The Kenyan government has scrapped import duties on electric vehicles and is actively developing a national e-mobility policy.
Startups like Roam are making waves with their locally designed electric motorcycles and buses, which are tailored to East African roads and charging constraints.
“The potential is massive,” says Albin Wilson, co-founder and Chief of Product at Roam, a Kenyan electric vehicle company headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. “We’re not importing solutions. We’re building them here, for Africa.”
Roam is a leading producer of electric motorcycles and buses, which both contribute to CO2 reduction, and improve livelihoods of users through a lower operating cost.
“Our vehicles are designed with local context in mind—terrain, cost, and energy access. This is African engineering at work,” Wilson says.
Tidbit:
- 1,000 e-buses projected by 2026.
- Kenya gets over 85% of its electricity from renewables—perfect for EVs.
- EV import duties waived; battery assembly plants in the works.
Uganda: Charging up with local solutions
Uganda is charting a more industrial path. Kiira Motors Corporation, a state-backed company, has developed Africa’s first electric bus, the Kayoola EVS, and is expanding production in Namanve Industrial Park. The government sees e-mobility as part of its national industrialisation drive.
Besides Kiira Motors Corporation, the e-mobility wave is being led by companies like Bodawerk. Bodawerk retrofits petrol-powered boda bodas (motorcycle taxis) into electric versions and leases them to riders through a battery-as-a-service model. Meanwhile, Kiira Motors has developed Africa’s first electric bus, the Kayoola EVS, which is now being deployed in Kampala’s public transport system.
“Our goal is not just to use electric vehicles—we want to manufacture them, with 60% local value addition,” Paul Isaac Musasizi, CEO of Kiira Motors says.
Government support has been instrumental. Uganda’s National Development Plan III explicitly prioritises e-mobility as a pillar of industrialization and green growth.
Snapshot:
- 50+ Kayoola EVS buses deployed.
- EVs integrated into public transport pilots.
- Battery leasing services introduced for boda riders.
Tanzania: Slowly gaining traction
Tanzania is taking a more measured approach, but the signs are promising. The country has recently attracted attention from regional e-mobility players and is piloting electric buses in Dar es Salaam’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. There’s growing interest in partnerships between local authorities and private investors to scale up EV infrastructure.
Challenges remain – limited charging infrastructure, high upfront costs, and lack of awareness but the tide is turning as more players see the long-term benefits.
The Green Economy catalyst
E-mobility is not just about transport – it’s about transformation. It creates new industries, from battery assembly to software development. It fosters green jobs. And it aligns perfectly with the region’s renewable energy potential. Countries like Kenya and Ethiopia already generate over 70% of their electricity from clean sources, making EVs truly zero-emission.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Africa has the opportunity to leapfrog traditional combustion technologies and become a global leader in clean transport – if the momentum continues.
What’s ahead?
To sustain the growth of e-mobility, the region must address key hurdles: finance, infrastructure, policy harmonization, and consumer education. But the foundation is strong. Regional cooperation, public-private partnerships, and innovation ecosystems are fuelling an exciting shift.
The road to sustainable transport in East Africa will not be easy—but the direction is clear, and the wheels are already in motion.
Key Stats on East Africa’s E-Mobility Push
- Rwanda: Over 1,000 e-motos on the road; battery swap stations operational.
- Kenya: 1,000+ e-buses planned by 2026; national EV policy in draft.
- Uganda: 50+ Kayoola e-buses piloted; national e-mobility strategy underway.
- Tanzania: Electric buses in pilot phase on BRT routes.
Regional Policy Tracker
| Country | National EV Policy | Import Duty Exemptions | Charging Infrastructure | Local Manufacturing |
| Rwanda | ||||
| Kenya | ||||
| Uganda | ||||
| Tanzania |
“Why E-Mobility makes sense in East Africa”
- Fuel Cost vs. Electricity Cost: Riders save up to 50% switching to EVs.
- Emissions per km: EVs emit 70% less CO₂ in renewable-rich grids like Kenya’s.
- Maintenance Costs: Electric bikes require 2x fewer service visits than petrol versions.
Big Opportunities, Real Challenges
While enthusiasm is high, challenges remain:
- Charging infrastructure is still sparse, especially outside capital cities.
- High upfront costs for EVs deter mass adoption, despite long-term savings.
- Financing models for riders and operators need further innovation.
But governments and entrepreneurs are responding. Battery leasing, ride-to-own models, and regional policy harmonisation are all being explored to scale access.
What’s Next?
According to Kenyan transport policy expert Anne Wanjiru, “this is more than a tech story—it’s a story about dignity, resilience, and owning our future.”
The road ahead is clear: electric. East Africa has a chance to leapfrog combustion engines and build a sustainable, locally-rooted transport system. With a growing middle class, abundant renewable energy, and bold youth-led innovation, the region could become a global e-mobility trailblazer.
Tidbits: Five Startups to watch in East Africa’s E-Mobility Race
- Ampersand (Rwanda) – Battery swap e-motos.
- Roam (Kenya) – Electric motorcycles & buses.
- BasiGo (Kenya) – E-buses on subscription.
- Kiira Motors (Uganda) – Government-backed EV manufacturing.
- Bodawerk (Uganda) – Retrofitting fuel bodas into electric ones.
