At Africa’s Green Economy Summit held in Cape Town, the imperative of transitioning to electric mobility (e-mobility) across the continent took center stage, with industry experts emphasizing the crucial role of government policy in spearheading this shift. The summit, themed “Navigating Africa’s e-mobility transformation,” brought together a diverse panel of experts who highlighted the transformative potential of e-mobility to address urban challenges such as traffic congestion and air pollution, while significantly reducing carbon emissions.
Celeste Vogel, CEO and Co-Founder of eWAKA in Kenya, spotlighted e-mobility and smart mobility as promising solutions that could slash carbon emissions by up to 30% across Africa. Vogel underscored the importance of adopting multi-modal electric transportation options, including cars, buses, trains, and tuk-tuks, to mitigate climate impact and alleviate congestion in numerous African cities grappling with these pressing issues.
Lusanda Madikizela, Head of Zero Emission Freight Transport at C40 Cities in South Africa, echoed the necessity of a visionary government role in transforming the mobility sector. She advocated for policy directions that instill confidence among manufacturers, operators, and financiers through stimulus packages and incentives. The sector’s growth hinges on policy certainty and appropriate incentives to attract investment and adoption.
In South Africa, Thabang Mahlangu, Sector Lead at Netbank CIB, heralded a pivotal moment for the electric vehicle (EV) industry, following the government’s announcement of incentives for the sector during the Budget Speech. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana outlined the Electric Vehicles White Paper, aiming to transition the automotive industry towards electric vehicles by 2035, complemented by an investment allowance and additional support under the Automotive Production Development Programme.
Mahlangu also touched on the challenges of disincentivizing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in emerging markets, suggesting that a complete ban might only be feasible in future generations. This perspective underscores the notion that the energy transition journey is towards “net-zero, not zero,” allowing for the coexistence of various fuel technologies.
Funding and infrastructure development challenges were highlighted by Malle Fofana, Head and Africa Regional Director at the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). Fofana pointed out the hindered production of e-buses in Uganda due to a lack of charging infrastructure and noted the geographical advantages that have facilitated the growth of East Africa’s e-mobility market.
The conversation around e-mobility in Africa was broadened by Tshepo Kgobe, CEO of the Gautrain Management Agency, who advocated for a focus on new energy vehicles beyond just electric vehicles. Kgobe emphasized the importance of designing transport systems that are adaptable to various energy technologies to ensure readiness for the transition.
Kenya’s progress in deploying electric buses for public transport was showcased by Jonathan Green, Co-Founder and CFO of BasiGo. With the ambition to decarbonize public transport in Sub-Saharan Africa, BasiGo plans to have 1,000 buses operating in the region by 2026, significantly reducing CO2 emissions.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis shared the city’s R8.5 billion expansion plan for the MyCiTi bus system, highlighting the commitment to electric buses and the requisite investment in charging infrastructure. This plan underscores the city’s forward-looking approach to integrating e-mobility into its public transport expansion efforts.
The discussions at Africa’s Green Economy Summit illuminated the critical role of government policy in enabling the transition to e-mobility across the continent. With clear policies and supportive measures, Africa can harness the full potential of e-mobility to address its urban mobility challenges, reduce environmental impact, and drive sustainable development.
Source: ESI Africa
