The shift is not just about machines – it is about people a the country’s TVET institutions now offer electric Vehicle maintenance courses.
By E.B Content Studio | E-Mobility Series
In Africa’s electric mobility story, technology might steal the spotlight—but it is smart policy that’s driving the real change. And in East Africa, Rwanda is emerging as the quiet powerhouse behind the wheel. With bold tax breaks and forward-thinking infrastructure policies, the country is setting the pace for how inclusive, well-crafted governance can supercharge the shift to electric transport—and lead a region by example.
The Four-Part Policy Formula
So what’s Rwanda doing differently? Here’s the breakdown:
1. Zero Import Duties on EVs and Batteries
To reduce upfront costs for e-mobility startups and drivers, the government removed VAT and customs taxes on:
- Electric motorcycles
- Lithium-ion batteries
- Charging/swapping equipment
This alone made it viable for us to enter the market,” says Josh Whale, CEO of Ampersand.
2. Open Access Charging and Swap Station Regulation
The Ministry of Infrastructure introduced a framework ensuring non-discriminatory access to battery swap and charging stations. That means:
- Startups share infrastructure fairly
- No monopolies or exclusivity zones
- Competition = lower prices for riders
3. Green fund financing via FONERWA
Startups can apply for low-interest loans and grants via Rwanda’s Green Fund, dedicated to climate-smart innovations. Ampersand, SafiMoto, and Spiro have all benefited from this ecosystem.
4. E-Mobility integration into national policy
Rwanda’s 2021–2030 Electric Mobility Policy lays out:
- Fleet conversion targets (30% of all motorcycles electric by 2030)
- Public transport electrification plans
- Training programs for EV technicians and battery engineers
Policy + People: Empowering a Green workforce
The shift is not just about machines – it is about people. Rwanda’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions now offer electric Vehicle maintenance courses.
“We want our youth not just to drive e-motos, but to build and service them,” says Claudine Uwase, a coordinator at a Kigali TVET centre.
Regional influence
Rwanda’s playbook is being studied by Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia, each of which has launched pilot programs or drafted EV incentives. But no country has yet matched the cohesiveness of Rwanda’s approach.
“You can have the best tech in the world, but without enabling policy, it won’t scale,” notes Marie Claire Uwase, a green transport consultant in Kigali.
Kaushik Burman, the C.E.O of Spiro, a key sustainable mobility player in East Africa, says that he holds profound admiration for the Rwandan government’s visionary approach. He observes that commitment to policy changes that prioritise environmental sustainability and social impact sets a powerful example for other nations.
“It is only a matter of time before the rest of East Africa—and indeed, the continent—follows suit,” he says, adding that he commends Kigali for setting this ambitious precedent and urge other governments to look to Rwanda as a case study for sustainable mobility.
Burman observes that the integration of policies that prioritise clean transport not only addresses immediate public health concerns but also lays the foundation for long-term economic resilience and environmental sustainability.
“Spiro stands ready to support this transition and inspire similar progress across the continent,” he concludes.
What other countries can learn
The lesson is clear: clear targets, enabling tax policies, and local industry support create the foundation for e-mobility to thrive.
And if Rwanda -a landlocked, resource-limited country – can do it, there’s little excuse for the rest of us not to follow.
Are you a policymaker or mobility startup in East Africa? We’d love to hear your story – contact us.
