Huawei-backed electric cars launched in Africa

December 01, 2025

Dear subscriber,

Being the poorest continent, it is no surprise that global automakers look at Africa mainly as a market for their cheapest EVs. But even if small in number, the continent has a growing wealthy class, and premium EV manufacturers are noticing.

Brian Ambani – Editor 

Chinese luxury electric vehicle manufacturer Avatr Technology has introduced the Avatr 11 and Avatr 12 electric cars in Egypt, its first market in Africa. The cars have been officially launched by the Kasrawy Group, Avatr’s dealer in Egypt. Fast growing Avatr is backed by state-owned Changan Automobile, battery giant CATL and technology group Huawei. 

  • Africa is becoming part of the global premium-EV expansion, with major Chinese automakers now viewing the continent not just as a market for entry-level EVs but as a viable destination for high-end electric models.  

  • The entry of new Chinese companies like Avatr, BYD, Xpeng, MG, Dongfeng, Daihatsu and Zeekr undercuts the status of the mostly German market leaders.

  • Our take: With a direct link to Huawei’s tech and CATL’s batteries, Avatr could become a leader in the premium EV segment… Read more (2 min)

Bolt, a global ride hailing operator, has electrified 40% of its motorcycle ride-hailing fleet in Kenya. The company has onboarded 1,700 e-bike riders through asset-financier M-Kopa. The growth is driven by accessible financing and flexible pay-as-you-go models. The majority of Bolt’s riders operate in Nairobi, where EV adoption is accelerating fastest.

  • Access to finance has been a major catalyst for EV adoption in East Africa. The region hosts more asset-financing companies than any other part of the continent. 

  • Bolt is competing with Uber’s electric fleet. Riders benefit from lower operating and maintenance costs, while consumers enjoy discounted fares.

  • Our take: Bolt needs bank partnerships to unlock affordable credit to electrify its fleet of four-wheelers… Read more (2 min)

French development financier Proporco’s equity funding for Kenya-based electric bus company BasiGo was the only major funding deal in the sector in November, according to an analysis by Mobility Rising. While Proparco and BasiGo have not revealed the investment sum, The Big Deal Africa has estimated the value of the deal at a minimum of about $5 million. 

  • November’s funding is the lowest this year, a sharp contrast to October during which four EV companies raised a total of $119.5 million. October saw a twelve-fold growth from the $10 million raised in September in a single deal. 

  • Equity has dominated the funding landscape for years, but debt is becoming more prominent as the sector matures. Companies are also deploying alternative methods to raise cash like crowdfunding.

  • Our take: DFIs could use more blended finance and guarantees to de-risk the sector and attract local banks.… Read more (2 min)

Nigeria’s electric mobility association president Dapo Adesina attends the Renewable Energy Conference in Nigeria (Source: EMPAN)

Jobs

⚡️ Join Spiro as an Area Energy Lead (Kenya)

🔋 Apply for Battery Maintenance Technician’s role at Ampersand (Kenya)

🛠️ Become a Lead Technician at Tesla (Morocco)

Events

📅 Attend the Africa EV Mobility Expo in Kenya (Dec 4)

📅 Showcase your tech at EMAK’s Open Day (Dec 5)

📅 Book a slot at the EVs Electrify Egypt (Dec 12)

Various 

🔌 Tata betting big on affordable electric vehicles

⚡ IOL South Africa pushes EV transition in talks with G20 partners

🚘 Why Morocco stands out in Tesla’s global expansion plans

Seen on LinkedIn 

Alex Kiragu, a market entry advisor, says, “Kenya is becoming the testbed, the launchpad, and the proving ground for scalable e-mobility and renewable energy solutions in Africa.”