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Africa is the world’s smallest EV market but among the fastest growing

Electric car sales in Africa more than doubled to reach nearly 11,000 in 2024, according to a new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA). This is only 0.06% of the 17 million electric cars sold globally. The EV share of total car sales in Africa also remained under 1%, though several countries managed to generate sales above 2,000 units.   

  • The report highlights a huge imbalance in electric car sales in Africa. Most of the sales happened in a handful of countries such as South Africa, Morocco and Egypt while most others contributed only a few units. 

  • Despite this, there is cause for optimism as some countries such as Ethiopia and Rwanda are making drastic policy changes such as import bans and restrictions on fuel cars which will hasten electric car sales. 

  • Our take: Perhaps more than on any other continent, a decline in the price of electric cars will be the main driver of sales in Africa… Read more (2 min)

It is inevitable that as an electric vehicle owner, you will need to take your car to a technician at some point for maintenance. In Africa, there is no guarantee you will find an EV technician, especially one that is qualified. Yet it is a career that is extremely rewarding, says Atsu Kpodo, a Ghanaian EV technician in an interview with Mobility Rising.  

  • Mr Kpodo worked at French automotive giant Renault and South Korean car manufacturer Kia on internal combustion engine vehicles. In 2022, he left to join an EV startup and hasn’t looked back since.

  • As an EV technician he diagnoses, repairs and maintains electric vehicles, focusing on their unique electrical, electronic and mechanical systems. He works on high-voltage batteries and other specialised components, requiring specialised training and tools. 

  • To read our interview, click here (4 min)

Mobility Rising is highlighting five key mobility events happening over the next three months across Africa. All are hosted in countries leading the continent’s electric mobility transition; Kenya, Egypt and South Africa. Notably, West Africa has no major international e-mobility event scheduled this quarter despite being a major industry player.

  • The Transport Evolution Africa Forum & Expo is expected to be the largest event, featuring the highest number of delegates and exhibitors on the continent. Notably, it will include a CEO forum, offering a unique platform for industry leaders to engage in strategic discussions.

  • All five events will host exhibitions where African OEMs and suppliers will showcase their latest electric mobility innovations. They offer prime opportunities for networking, partnerships and direct engagement with key stakeholders across the continent.

  • To see the full list of events, click here (1 min)

Gogo Electric motorcycle technicians graduate after a successful training in Uganda

Jobs

👷🏻‍♂️ Apply for Quality Engineering role at Aptiv (Morocco)

🔋 Become a Battery Swap Attendant at MAX (Nigeria)

💵 Manage Tri’s finances (Tanzania)

Various 

💻 Egypt launches an EV platform to purchase EVs and chargers

🛵 Nigeria unveils electric motorcycle training targeting the youth training 

Ampersand adds a new swapping station in Nairobi, Kenya

Seen on LinkedIn 

Francis Okhani,a technology specialist, says, “In traffic, EVs lose less energy, and regenerative braking helps extend battery range.”