Kiira Motors wants to localise procurement

• The company started in 2007 as a research project creating the first African-designed e-bus. 

• Since then the company has produced over 27 e-buses and sold them to clients including the Civil Aviation Authority, National Enterprise Corporation and Uganda Airlines.

• Our take: Uganda’s bus market is small and Kiira Motors needs export to hit economies of scale… Read more (2 min)

China endorses EV investments in Africa 

• The ambassador highlighted in the Global Times newspaper that China's so-called overcapacity is a blessing for Africa. It is said to enable consumers to access products at relatively low prices.

• He also mentioned that Zambia is keen to collaborate with China on EV manufacturing, given the country's abundant lithium and cobalt resources essential for EV production.

• Our take: Africa will participate in EV manufacturing, but it can’t do so alone… Read more (2 min)

We list African mobility events to attend soon

• Two significant events are about to take place in the next eight days: Auto Tech Egypt and Automechanika South Africa. The two countries are the largest and most sophisticated car markets on the continent. Both see a slow but accelerating transition to electrification. 

• We have counted a total of eight African events specific to the mobility sector in the coming twelve months. The details are listed on the link at the end of this story. If you’re organising an event but we haven’t yet featured it, please let us know by replying to this email. 

• Our take: In a young but fast-growing sector, networking and info exchanges are vital… Read more (2 min)

• Senegal to adopt a smart transport technology: Dakar is set to adopt a smart mobility system by Huawei to enhance traffic flow and safety. The system will incorporate video surveillance, real-time messaging and control centres to tackle congestion and road safety. This technology will boost the management of the 120 solar-powered electric buses joining Dakar’s new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) fleet. (wearetech.africa)

• Gig workers push EV adoption: Delivery and motorcycle taxi drivers are central to Ethiopia's EV transformation as they adopt Dodai's electric motorcycles to save on fuel and maintenance costs. These riders, often under economic pressure, find Dodai's affordable e-bikes essential for increasing their earnings and achieving job stability. (WeeTracker)

• New report on electric 2-wheelers: The global E-bike market, valued at $59.42 billion in 2023, is expected to reach $134.69 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 12.4%. Increasing demand for eco-friendly, efficient transport is driving growth, with pedal-assisted bikes dominating at 88.36% market share. Some major players, like Yamaha and Giant, are present in the African EV market, where demand is rising. (StellarMarketResearch)