E-mobility companies in Africa are beginning local assembly of electric vans and taxis using Chinese-made kits and innovative financing to spread use of electric public transport across the continent. Kenya and Nigeria, two of Africa’s largest economies, are leading the push for local EV assembly as countries seek to cut fuel costs, reduce emissions and build domestic manufacturing capacity. Pay-as-you-drive and lease-to-own business models are helping to overcome high upfront costs, making EVs more affordable. Ethiopia also is entering the market as local assembly and innovative financing help to expand sustainable transport. Still, there are only about 30,000 EVs in Africa, compared with millions of gas and diesel-fueled vehicles.
