The growing urban populations and rising fuel costs in Africa are making electric vehicles (EVs) an increasingly attractive option for transportation. EVs not only help reduce harmful emissions but also provide a cost-effective solution for long-term transportation needs. Across the continent, various African countries are implementing policies and investing in infrastructure to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.
In West Africa, the focus is on two- and three-wheelers, while in East Africa, countries are exploring ways to integrate electric buses into their transportation systems. The importance of EVs is being recognized in improving urban transport, reducing air pollution, and decreasing dependence on expensive imported fuel. They are also serving as a cost-effective solution for rural and inter-city transportation dynamics.
By early 2025, more than a dozen African countries are expected to have implemented national electric vehicle policies aimed at accelerating the transition to cleaner transportation. Some countries are introducing regulations to phase out internal combustion engine vehicles over time, while others are offering subsidies to local manufacturers to encourage domestic EV production. These policies typically include tax incentives for EV imports, reduced tariffs on batteries and components, investment in renewable energy infrastructure, and government-led pilot projects to integrate EVs into public transport systems.
Countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, and Benin are at the forefront of this transition. Kenya has launched an electric bus pilot in Nairobi, while Ethiopia and Benin are aggressively transitioning their motorcycle fleets to electric. South Africa and Morocco are positioning themselves as EV manufacturing hubs, not only to meet local demand but also to export to Europe and beyond. Private investors are also playing a crucial role by funding charging stations, battery swap networks, and local vehicle assembly.
According to the latest data from the International Energy Agency, the top 10 African countries adopting electric vehicles are:
- Ghana – Approximately 17,000 EVs, driven by duty waivers and high adoption of 2- and 3-wheelers.
- Morocco – Around 10,000 EVs, with over 400 charging stations and a strong EV export sector.
- South Africa – About 6,000 EVs, with import duties removed and over 400 public chargers installed.
- Tanzania – An estimated 5,000 EVs, reflecting rapid growth in electric bikes and tuk-tuks.
- Ethiopia – Between 5,000 to 7,000 EVs, leveraging hydropower resources and tax incentives.
- Egypt – Approximately 3,500 to 4,000 EVs, with local EV assembly plans and a growing charging network.
- Kenya – Around 3,753 EVs, with e-buses like BasiGo aiming to achieve a significant percentage of EV registration by 2025.
- Benin – Over 3,000 electric motorcycles, with lease-to-own models.
- Rwanda – Approximately 1,182 EVs, with zero VAT and registration fees, and expanding charging infrastructure.
- Angola – Around 1,000 EVs, with import tax cuts until 2032 and 2,000 EVs imported in 2024.
The top five countries – Ghana, Morocco, South Africa, Tanzania, and Ethiopia – are making significant strides through a mix of policy incentives and infrastructure development. These measures signal a growing commitment to sustainable mobility across Africa, supported by both government initiatives and private investment.
