Global events adding impetus to the EV transition in Africa

Incentivised by supportive government policies in countries including Ethiopia, Rwanda, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Rwanda, the transition of petrol 2 and 3 wheelers to electric vehicles (EVs) in Africa has been gaining momentum. News sources including the UK Financial Times have reported that In recent months the transition has gained added impetus due to the war in Iran. Increases in fuel prices are being felt by individual drivers at the petrol pump. In addition, EVs are seen by governments as a way of reducing fuel import and subsidy bills and reliance on oil supplies from the Gulf. The potential for EVs to be assembled locally in the continent provides further economic and employment opportunities.

In the context of highly challenging global events, the work being done by Moving Impact to identify business models and pathways for the EV and energy system transition in Africa could not be more timely.