How best to tax EVs in Africa

• Globally, many countries have long relied on fuel taxes to generate revenue for building and maintaining road infrastructure. But this is changing with EVs.  

• In some countries, like Kenya and South Africa, fuel taxes account for about 25% of total fuel prices, generating billions in government revenue.

• Our take: The best way of taxing EVs in Africa is by not taxing... Read more (2 min)

Egypt's EV charging network grows

• Sha7en operates as a vertically integrated solution provider, offering both hardware and software for EV charging. 

• The company has mapped its charging stations, making them easily accessible to customers through Google Maps. It also provides a mobile app that allows users to locate charging stations, plan routes, and make secure payments.

• Our take: Localising manufacturing will be key to reducing EV infrastructure cost... Read more (2 min)

South Africa dominates in regional EV growth

• Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Namibia are closely ranked, each possessing unique strengths in the EV and battery industries. These countries appear to be forging a different path than South Africa—one that, with strategic planning, could yield substantial gains in the EV sector.

• Currently, BYD in South Africa is the only company in the region to rank among the continent's top ten EV manufacturers. Electric motorcycle adoption remains low, and policies supporting EVs are minimal outside of South Africa.

• Our take: As the demand for EVs surges worldwide, Southern Africa’s role in this ecosystem will only grow more vital... Read more (2 min)

• Burundi’s preparation for EV transition: Burundi's Ministry of Trade, Transport, Industry, and Tourism (MCTIT) has launched a call for consultants or consultancy firms to craft a national electric mobility policy. The policy will include implementation tools and integrate environmental sustainability considerations. This will form a key part of the Shift to Electric Mobility in Burundi project supported by UNEP. The project is 18% complete and will run till March 2028. (MCTIT, UNEP)

• Ghana rolls-out 100 e-buses: VP Mahamudu Bawumia unveiled the first batch of 100 electric buses for Metro Mass Transit Limited. The initiative aims to reduce public transport costs by 40-50% and cut operational and maintenance costs for Metro Mass Transit by 50%. This pilot program not only integrates green technology into Ghana’s transportation but also sets the stage for a nationwide transition to electric vehicles, supported by the Electric Policy Framework launched in 2023. (Ghana News Agency)

• Chinese focus in Morocco: China's growing engagement in North Africa is exemplified by its strategic investments in EV and battery manufacturing, particularly in Morocco, which aims to become a major EV producer. In June, Gotion High Tech announced Africa's first EV battery gigafactory in Morocco with an initial $1.3 billion investment. China's focus on North Africa underscores its ambition to integrate the region into its global supply chains, leveraging its Belt and Road Initiative to establish industrial and trade clusters across the Maghreb. (The Arab Weekly)

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