China builds EV production plants in Egypt and Ethiopia

• The launch of the Egyptian e-bus marked the opening of the e-bus assembly unit, which can currently assemble 300 buses annually, aiming to reach 1,500 buses annually by 2027. 

• El Nasr is also constructing a car production plant with a production capacity expected to reach 20,000 annually by mid-2025.

• Our take: Africa needs a more attractive and stable EV policy to woo investors... Read more (2 min)

Kenya EV report faults lack of financing

• Kenya’s EV market is still in its early stages, and more money is needed for research and development, manufacturing setup, operation expansion, and distribution networks.

• Of all the companies surveyed by Siemens Stiftung, all aim to raise capital in 2024, with 58% seeking to raise less than $1 million.

• Our take: EVs are capital intensive and so the sector needs more financing... Read more (2 min)

Spiro’s growth spurt has slowed down

• The two oil-producing nations in West and North Africa charge less than a tenth The company expanded its team by 146 senior staff to a total of 326 in the past year. This 41% growth rate was focused on filling in many middle manager roles as its geographic profile shifted.  

• However, currently the company has only three open roles on LinkedIn, the lowest rate over the past year. The new team is settling in.

• Our take: Who is hiring, and whom, can be a telling indicator for a business… Read more (2 min)

• Framework of mobility transition in Africa: The University of Strathclyde’s recent policy brief emphasises the need for sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to establish locally relevant transport-energy models that address unique regional challenges. The current energy system models often oversimplify SSA’s transport sector, undermining equitable and sustainable transition pathways. Innovations should aim to overcome reliance on foreign proxies and ensure context-specific insights for clean growth. (Zenodo)

• SA’s strategy on EV manufacturing: South Africa has launched an ambitious Automotive Industry Master Plan, aiming to capture 1% of global vehicle production by 2035. Much of the focus is on electric vehicles and the integration of the nation’s mineral resources to create a local battery manufacturing hub. This will foster economic empowerment and build a complete EV value chain. (TechinAfrica)

• Stumbling block to Uganda’s EV adoption: Uganda faces challenges in meeting its e-mobility targets due to heavy reliance on outdated petrol and diesel vehicles. Despite policies for full e-mobility by 2030, unpredictable tax changes deter private investments. Also, educational gaps hinder Uganda’s progress, with many citizens unaware of e-vehicle benefits and costs. (Monitor)

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