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- Rwanda has bags of goodies for EV investors, but small market size is a problem
Rwanda has bags of goodies for EV investors, but small market size is a problem
 | Electric vehicle charging station providers will benefit from incentives such as rent-free land, tax exemptions on equipment and subsidised electricity as part of a plan by Rwanda to attract investors. Rwanda’s masterplan has identified 224 potential sites for EV charging stations across the country to serve the growing number of EV owners. |
There are less than 30 public charging stations in Rwanda, which has a population of 14 million. The country plans to have a charging station every 50 km through additional investment from charging firms.
Rwanda’s low EV count however means it will be difficult to attract charging station companies, who incur huge expenses to set up the facilities. The East African country had only 512 fully electric cars and 6,660 hybrid vehicles registered in 2024.
Our take: Rwanda will achieve EV growth faster by creating an enabling environment for the necessary infrastructure… Read more (2 min)
 | Kenya-based electric motorcycle company ARC Ride has partnered with Musashi Seimitsu, a Japanese company specialising in manufacturing and selling transportation equipment, particularly automobile and motorcycle parts. The deal will see the duo jointly develop and manage battery swapping services (BaaS) and related infrastructure. |
ARC Ride has over 144 battery swapping stations across Nairobi. The partnership with Musashi will help the company accelerate its plans to establish more than 300 stations in Kenya’s capital.
Nairobi has significant potential for swapping station investors. The city has most of the country’s EV users, guaranteeing demand.
Our take: ARC Ride is the market leader in the battery swapping business in Kenya, and its deal with Musashi could extend its lead as competition increases… Read more (2 min)
 | Nigeria has the lowest fast charging prices among the top electric vehicle countries in Africa, according to an analysis by Mobility Rising that surveyed Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa. Prices in Nigeria are 23% cheaper than South Africa and 18% cheaper than Kenya. Similarly, the cost of swapping batteries is also lowest in the West African country. |
Aggressive market entry strategies by Nigerian companies, supported by the government through the North East Development Commission (NEDC), have helped drive down prices to accelerate electric vehicle uptake nationwide.
Charging costs play a crucial role in EV adoption, as they directly affect total ownership costs and competitiveness with petrol vehicles. Affordable, accessible charging also eases range anxiety and encourages commercial fleet transitions.
Our take: Affordable EV charging needs private sector competition and strong regulation even more than tariff cuts… Read more (2 min)
Events
🗓️ Converge with professionals at Transport Evolution Africa Forum in SA (June 17)
🗓️ Register for Africa Technology Show happening in Kenya (July 8)
🗓️ Attend e-Mobility management accelerator training in Kenya (July18)
Jobs
👩💻 Join MAX as a Pipeline Conversion Analyst (Nigeria)
📊 Apply for Business Analyst position at Watu africa (Kenya)
🛠️ Lead repair and maintenance at Dodai (Ethiopia)
Various
📚 Delta40 Energy and Mobility program training begins in Nairobi
📰 Financial Times names Roam and M-Kopa among Africa’s fastest growing companies
💰 LearnQuick Inc is inviting investors to tap into its mission of electrifying fleets
Seen on LinkedIn
Chris Kost, Independent Transport Consultant, says, “We must move away from car-centric investments, scale financing for clean transport, and empower institutions to plan better. Crucially, the daladala industry must be part of this shift, with incentives for their inclusion in tendering and planning.”