Op-ed: How to reimagine the mobility revolution

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Smart mobility in Africa is not just about navigating cities—it’s about unlocking the continent’s economic pulse and social potential, argues Tokunbo Arannilewa, CEO and founder of Nigerian fleet management company Eonsfleet Inc. Electric vehicles will eventually play a role in this revolution, but it needs to be a strategic, phased approach, he says. 

• His commentary calls for a fundamental reimagining of transport as a vehicle for social equity. He believes Africa is well-positioned to leapfrog outdated infrastructure through digital innovation, including ride-sharing platforms and intelligent logistics systems.

• The lack of the necessary infrastructure, he adds, is the biggest elephant in the room when it comes to EVs. He says Nigeria, and the continent at large, needs a reliable national grid before it can viably support large-scale EV charging. Further, dedicated charging infrastructure for depots and potentially en-route charging needs massive investment. 

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By Tokunbo Arannilewa

Africa moves over 1.4 billion people seeking connection, opportunity, and progress. Millions navigate Nigerian cities daily. 70% under 30, yearning for efficiency, demanding access. It’s not just congestion — it’s potential is gridlocked.

We're leapfrogging – embracing mobile payments, ride-sharing tech, digital logistics. Mobile-first. Adaptable. Ready for smarter transit. This is no longer just a story of roads and vehicles. It’s about accessible pathways, inclusive design, and the economic heartbeat of our cities.

Yes, challenges persist — infrastructure gaps, policy evolution, safety concerns. But the greatest barrier?

Mindsets stuck in yesterday’s traffic patterns. What kind of mobility future are we building for Nigeria, for Africa? Informal routes may connect us. But they should not confine our potential, nor exclude anyone.

Africa doesn’t lack the need to move. It lacks integrated, reliable, and truly accessible mobility solutions.

Investment that understands diverse needs – from the commuter rush to the last-mile delivery, for all abilities.

To policymakers and investors: Mobility ROI (Return on Investment) isn’t just reduced travel time—it’s economic velocity, cleaner air, and social equity. And to the innovators, operators, and diaspora – you are not just running routes or building apps. You are engineers of access, architects of inclusion, enabling dignity in motion.

This is more than transit. It’s a pathway to progress. And the opportunity is generational. This isn’t a moment to endure the jam. It’s one to build smoother journeys, together. All I see is a better tomorrow, a great Nigeria and a prosperous Africa. 

EVs undoubtedly offer long-term benefits – zero tailpipe emissions (crucial for air quality in congested cities like Lagos), potentially lower running/maintenance costs (fewer moving parts, cheaper 'fuel' if electricity is stable and affordable), and quieter operation. They represent a leap towards modern, sustainable transport.

While the potential is clear, widespread EV adoption in our public transport right now faces significant hurdles that tie directly into the issues often discussed [reference my post's themes if possible, for example, issues of infrastructure, funding, and policy. 

Infrastructure is the biggest elephant in the room. We need a reliable national grid before we can viably support large-scale EV charging. Dedicated charging infrastructure for depots and potentially en-route charging needs massive investment.

EVs, especially buses, currently have a much higher purchase price than their diesel/petrol counterparts. For already strained public transport operators (both government and private), this is a major barrier without significant subsidies or innovative financing.

We would need to develop a new ecosystem for EV maintenance – specialized technicians, spare parts availability, battery management expertise etc. While improving, range anxiety and the time required for charging compared to refueling traditional vehicles need careful planning for high-utilization public transport routes.

I believe EVs will eventually play a role, but it needs to be a strategic, phased approach. Perhaps starting with pilot programs on specific BRT routes, government fleets, or in controlled environments where charging infrastructure can be guaranteed. We might also see hybrid vehicles as a more immediate transitional step.