Op-ed: Driving innovation through EV skills

From the newsletter

Electric mobility is not just about transportation but a catalyst for innovation and skill development, writes Adetayo Bamiduro, the CEO of Max, a Nigerian EV company. To sustain this momentum, he says investment in education and training is essential to equip young Africans with technical skills in EV maintenance and fleet operations.

• Max is pioneering electric mobility solutions in Nigeria, offering financing for electric motorcycles and deploying electric two- and three-wheelers to empower micro-entrepreneurs and businesses. Max integrates fintech, logistics, and mobility to build a robust platform that supports last-mile delivery, urban commuting, and economic empowerment.

• Adetayo is a seasoned leader in the mobility and startup ecosystem, having served as CEO of Max for a decade. He holds a Master’s in Business Administration and is also the founder of Techstars, a global accelerator that helps entrepreneurs scale their ventures into transformative businesses.

More details

By Adetayo Bamiduro

Africa stands at the edge of a transformative era in transportation. As the continent embraces e-mobility, it is essential to recognize that this shift extends beyond just electric vehicles (EVs). E-mobility represents the convergence of renewable energy, advanced technology, and interconnected transportation systems, creating unprecedented opportunities for job creation and economic growth.

Across the continent, companies like Ampersand, BasiGo, Roam, Spiro, and Max are proving that e-mobility is not just about replacing fuel-powered vehicles—it’s about unlocking economic potential, technological innovation, and long-term sustainability.

A new era of opportunities

The transition to e-mobility in Africa is driving economic growth by stimulating multiple sectors. Local EV manufacturing and assembly can create new industries, generating skilled and semi-skilled jobs in engineering, logistics, maintenance, and energy infrastructure.

Several companies are at the forefront of this transition. Ampersand, a Rwandan e-mobility company, has deployed thousands of electric motorcycles across East Africa, helping riders cut fuel expenses while supporting battery-swap station jobs. BasiGo, a Kenyan electric bus startup, is partnering with local operators to transition public transportation to electric, reducing operational costs while creating employment in battery maintenance and fleet servicing. Similarly, partnerships between mobility firms and energy companies are expanding charging infrastructure, which is vital for supporting EV adoption.

Beyond vehicle production, e-mobility infrastructure—charging networks, battery-swapping stations, and smart energy grids—is generating demand for construction, technology, and energy-sector jobs. Governments and private investors must work together to scale these initiatives and create a sustainable employment ecosystem.

Innovation and skill development

Electric mobility is not just about transportation—it’s a catalyst for innovation and skill development. Africa has rich reserves of lithium and cobalt, key raw materials for battery production. With the right investment, the continent can become a leader in sustainable battery manufacturing, reducing import dependency while creating high-value jobs in clean energy and material processing.

Several companies are pioneering battery-swapping technology, ensuring that drivers spend less time charging and more time earning. These advancements are reshaping Africa’s gig economy while driving demand for technicians and energy specialists. Investments in charging infrastructure are also helping expand e-mobility access in key urban and rural areas, reinforcing the need for a skilled workforce in sustainable transport solutions.

Roam, a Kenyan EV company, is assembling electric motorcycles locally, creating jobs in production and design while building Africa’s technical expertise in e-mobility. To sustain this momentum, investment in education and vocational training is critical. Upskilling programs that equip young Africans with technical skills in EV maintenance, fleet operations, and sustainable mobility solutions are essential for ensuring long-term growth in this sector.

Economic growth and sustainability

The electric mobility revolution aligns with Africa’s broader economic and environmental goals. Transitioning to electric motorcycles, tricycles, buses, and vehicles can reduce fuel costs, cut emissions, and enhance energy security. Many mobility companies have helped drivers reduce fuel expenses, thereby directly boosting their take-home earnings and increasing household financial stability.

Additionally, integrating EVs with renewable energy sources like solar and wind can create a self-sustaining clean energy ecosystem. Rwanda, for example, is investing in solar-powered charging stations, ensuring that rural areas gain access to both transportation and electricity. By reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels, e-mobility enables African governments to reallocate funds toward infrastructure, education, and healthcare, driving long-term economic growth.

The path forward

To fully harness e-mobility’s potential, governments, businesses, and investors must collaborate to:

• Create policies that incentivize EV adoption – Subsidies, tax exemptions, and financing programs can accelerate market penetration.

• Invest in local EV manufacturing and battery production – Strengthening Africa’s industrial base will ensure that economic benefits stay within the continent.

• Develop robust charging and battery-swapping infrastructure – Public-private partnerships are key to expanding the e-mobility ecosystem.

Companies across the continent are proving that Africa can lead the global energy transition—but scaling this success requires a collective push from stakeholders across industries.

Conclusion

Electric mobility is about more than just vehicles—it’s about people, progress, and prosperity. By looking beyond the vehicle, Africa can harness e-mobility as a powerful engine of job creation and economic transformation. As Africa continues expanding its EV landscape, the message is clear: The continent’s e-mobility revolution is here, and the time to act is now.