Botswana''s e-Mobility program has reached a significant milestone, positioning the country among global automakers with the establishment of a new electric vehicle (EV) assembly plant in Gaborone.
The program, aimed at advancing the nation''s sustainable transportation agenda, seeks to accelerate EV production through international partnerships to meet the rising demand for eco-friendly vehicles.
Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI) Chief Executive Officer, Shedden Masupe, explained that the e-Mobility program was designed to promote innovation and research that drive economic growth.
"The intent was to position this country as a regional leader in sustainable transportation. Establishing electric vehicle infrastructure will help reduce carbon emissions and promote eco-friendly transport systems in communities," said Masupe.
Phase 1 focused on capacity building, Phase 2 on retrofitting (designing and building EV technology, and testing its feasibility through prototypes), and Phase 3, the current phase, focuses on scaling up assembly operations with private sector involvement.
The program has trained 150 technicians in collaboration with Botswana College of Engineering and Technology (BCET), Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), and the University of Botswana.
"The critical thing is competitiveness; we must produce the best, the fastest, the most competitive. Botswana is ready to start its motor industry. We want to enhance the aspects of our knowledge economy that complement our natural endowments," Masisi said. He emphasized that the EV program would drive economic growth, contribute to cleaner transportation, and position Botswana as a regional leader in sustainable mobility.
The program, which is an integral part of Botswana''s e-mobility strategy, is expected to boost the country''s economy while shaping its legacy towards cleaner, smarter, and more affordable vehicles.
"We are not trying to reinvent the wheel, but we want to be part of the global shift to e-mobility—not only for the economy and the environment but also to strengthen our knowledge economy," added Masisi.
Across Africa, a green mobility revolution is gaining momentum, driven by rising fuel costs, a demand for affordable transportation, and growing environmental concerns. However, the prohibitive cost of electric vehicles (EVs) and insufficient infrastructure raise critical questions about whether electric vehicle adoption in Africa can truly flourish on the continent.
Globally, efforts to decarbonize road transport, which contributes 15% of global emissions, are underway. Africa is no exception, with governments and private players striving to capture a share of the rapidly growing EV market, which is projected to reach USD 21.39 billion by 2027, up from USD 11.94 billion in 2021. This rapid growth brings both opportunities and challenges for electric vehicle adoption in Africa.
Several African nations are leading the charge in transitioning to electric vehicles. Rwanda, for example, has implemented a series of policy measures to attract investors, including rent-free land for charging stations, reduced electricity tariffs for EVs, and exemptions from VAT, import, and excise duties for electric cars and spare parts.
Tunisia has cut custom duties on EV charging equipment to 10% and reduced VAT to 7%, while Uganda, which produced Africa''s first electric bus in 2016, has waived import duties on electric two- and three-wheelers and exempted all EVs from VAT. The country has also introduced special electricity tariffs for charging stations, signaling its commitment to green mobility and supporting electric vehicle adoption in Africa.
African startups are pivotal in this transformation, offering services such as local assembly, asset financing, and battery-as-a-service, which are crucial for advancing electric vehicle adoption in Africa.
BasiGo, a Kenyan green mobility startup, launched in 2022 with two electric mass transit buses and has since expanded its fleet to 17. These buses have collectively traveled over a million kilometers, carried over 1.3 million passengers, and prevented the emission of over 200 tonnes of carbon dioxide, highlighting the potential of electric vehicle adoption in Africa.
"Kenya, and by extension Africa, is ready for the green mobility revolution," said Moses Nderitu, Chief Revenue Officer at BasiGo. “We initially thought the excitement was due to the novelty of electric buses, but two years later, enthusiasm remains high, with a waiting list of 400 buses from operators.”
Similarly, SolarTaxi, a Ghana-based startup, assembles and maintains electric vehicles, including cars, bikes, and tricycles. Since 2018, SolarTaxi has expanded its services to include charging unit installations, battery pack manufacturing, and bike conversions. The company''s social impact initiatives further contribute to electric vehicle adoption in Africa.
"We are committed to contributing to a clean and healthy environment through sustainable transportation," said Jorge Appiah, CEO of SolarTaxi. The company now operates seven branches in Ghana and has extended its reach to Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire to meet the growing demand for electric vehicle adoption in Africa.
Despite the optimism, the road to widespread electric vehicle adoption in Africa has been bumpy. The high upfront costs of electric vehicles and the lack of adequate charging infrastructure have limited their appeal to many consumers. According to a report by the Shell Foundation, an estimated USD 9 billion will be needed by 2030 to establish a sustainable EV market in countries like Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Rwanda, and Ethiopia, further complicating electric vehicle adoption in Africa.
One of the biggest hurdles to electric vehicle adoption in Africa is financing. “Electric two-wheeler assemblers and importers struggle to scale up due to the high upfront payments required,” the report stated.
To address this, companies like BasiGo have introduced innovative financing models, such as a "pay as you drive" system, allowing bus operators to pay for electric buses based on kilometers driven rather than the total cost upfront. Another option lets operators purchase buses without batteries, significantly reducing the initial cost. SolarTaxi has also introduced affordable solutions, including renting electric bikes and a lease-to-own option for electric cars.
To further reduce costs, industry players have suggested tapping into carbon markets. “If we can monetize the carbon savings from using renewable energy in public transport, it will make green mobility more attractive, especially in countries like Kenya, where 60% of journeys are made by public vehicles,” said Nderitu.
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