As the urban population in Africa continues to grow and fuel prices rise, the adoption of electric vehicles is gaining momentum as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly transportation solution. With increased investment, tax incentives, and infrastructure improvements, electric vehicles are becoming more prevalent in many African countries.
In West Africa, there is a focus on two- and three-wheelers, while East Africa is exploring electric buses as unique ways to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. These initiatives are aimed at improving urban transport, reducing air pollution, and decreasing dependence on expensive imported fuel in various regions.
By early 2025, more than a dozen African countries are expected to have implemented national electric vehicle (EV) policies to facilitate the transition to cleaner transportation. These policies typically include tax incentives for EV imports, reduced tariffs on batteries and components, investment in renewable energy infrastructure, and government-led pilot projects to integrate EVs into public transport systems.
Some countries are also introducing regulations to phase out internal combustion engine vehicles gradually, while others are offering subsidies to local manufacturers to encourage domestic EV production. For example, Kenya has launched an electric bus pilot in Nairobi, and Ethiopia and Benin are actively transitioning their motorcycle fleet to electric vehicles.
Countries like South Africa and Morocco are positioning themselves as EV manufacturing hubs, not only to meet local demand but also to export to Europe and other regions. Private investors are also funding the development of charging stations, battery swap networks, and local vehicle assembly to support sustainable mobility initiatives.
The top 10 African countries leading in electric vehicle adoption include Ghana, Morocco, South Africa, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Egypt, Kenya, Benin, Rwanda, and Angola. These countries are making significant progress through a combination of policy incentives and infrastructure development, with Ghana leading the pack with an estimated 17,000 EVs.
Morocco follows closely with around 10,000 EVs and over 400 charging stations, while South Africa has approximately 6,000 EVs and a comparable number of public chargers. Tanzania is experiencing rapid growth in electric bikes and tuk-tuks, and Ethiopia is leveraging its hydropower resources and tax incentives to support the shift to electric vehicles.
Overall, the adoption of electric vehicles in Africa is on the rise, driven by a growing commitment to sustainable mobility and supported by government policies, private investments, and advancements in infrastructure. The continent is poised to become a significant player in the global electric vehicle market, with the potential to lead the way in clean and efficient transportation solutions.
