Ethiopia raises customs duty on EV imports

• This development comes amidst pressure from the IMF for the country to broaden its tax base.

• Last year, the government set out an ambitious plan to have 500,000 EVs on the road by 2030. Currently, there are apparently 100,000 EVs in use, including passenger and commercial vehicles.

• Our take: Ethiopia is attempting a big lift. Struggles are not surprising… Read more (2 min)

Morocco invests $280 million in battery plant

• The first phase of the project will focus on power batteries, energy storage batteries, and cathode and anode materials.

• The total investment in the battery factory is estimated to be $1.3 billion, with a potential increase to $6.5 billion.

• Our take: Africa needs more investments from local players… Read more (2 min)

Survey pinpoints consumer EV charge costs

• The two oil-producing nations in West and North Africa charge less than a tenth of what consumers pay in the two non-hydrocarbon countries in Southern and East Africa.

• Prices at commercial charging stations within a country vary relatively little. But the cost of battery swapping is much less consistent. 

• Our take: Creating special electricity rates for EV charging will be key to growth… Read more (2 min)

• EV upskilling in Kenya: Zetech University in Nairobi has unveiled Kenya's first domestically produced solar-powered tuk-tuk, designed to reduce transportation costs and carbon emissions. Built for KES 390,000 (US$3,023), it features a 100km range per charge and can self-charge with a rooftop solar panel, providing convenience, especially in remote areas lacking charging stations. Zetech is seeking partnerships with EV players and educational institutions to address technical skill shortages and explore the potential for mass production. (UniversityWorldNews)

• Not so MellowVans now: South African company MellowVans is seeing a surge in demand for its three-wheeled electric vehicles. Built using 70% local content in Stellenbosch, the EVs are meant to reduce operational costs for delivery companies compared to petrol motorcycles. Expansion plans include establishing production facilities in Europe, with targeted locations in the Netherlands, Hungary and Egypt. (MyBroadband)

• Enhancing charging infrastructure: A Ugandan solar-powered e-mobility initiative, launched as a partnership between enPower.life, a green energy company, and Yujo Izakaya, a food outlet. Both companies launched a 40 kW solar system at Kampala’s Nakasero Shopping and Lifestyle Complex, supporting electric vehicle and motorcycle charging stations. (Nilepost)

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