The Africa EV Show

Electric mobility is quietly transforming Africa's tourism sector and Kigali, Rwanda, is emerging as a leading case study. In this episode of The Africa EV Show, we speak with Edwidge Cyuzuzo, COO of Izuba EVs, about how her company is using Chinese electric vehicles to power a new model of green tourism. From dramatically lower operating costs to reduced dependence on imported fuel, EVs are reshaping how tour businesses operate in landlocked economies like Rwanda. We explore: Why EVs are more cost-effective than petrol vehicles in Rwanda How Chinese brands like BYD are enabling early adoption The real-world charging experience in Kigali Business models for EV tourism and fleet operations The role of partnerships in scaling electric mobility Key challenges include infrastructure and regional expansion With fuel prices volatile and logistics complex across Africa, electric vehicles offer a compelling alternative — not just for sustainability, but for economic resilience. Is this the future of tourism in Africa? Can EV adoption unlock broader industrial and energy transformation across the continent? Watch now to understand how electric mobility is moving from theory to reality in one of Africa's most forward-looking cities.

Africa's electric mobility transition is not happening the way most headlines suggest. It's not just about importing new EVs — it's about converting existing vehicles, building local systems, and using data to make mobility work. In this episode of The Africa EV Show, Arnold Mwangakala, founder of Smart Haven Tanzania, breaks down how lessons from China's EV ecosystem, from supply chains to battery systems, can be adapted to not only Tanzania but African realities. We explore: Why EV conversion (motorcycles & three-wheelers) is leading adoption How battery swapping is solving range and charging challenges The role of IoT and data in financing and scaling EV businesses Lessons from China's manufacturing and supply chain dominance What it will take for Africa to build its own EV ecosystem This is a must-watch for anyone interested in electric vehicles, Africa's energy transition, and the future of mobility. Also, subscribe, like, and share for more insights on Africa's EV and energy transition.

As African cities grow, they are choking even faster from diesel-belching public transport vehicles, which remain the backbone of urban life. In this episode of The Africa EV Show, we explore how Chinese electric buses (e-buses) are reshaping urban mobility across the continent and whether this shift represents true industrial transformation or simply a new form of dependency. Drawing lessons from China's large-scale e-bus rollout, we examine what's happening in cities like Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Cape Town, and Dakar as Chinese OEMs partner with African governments and startups. Joining host Njenga Hakeenah is Prian Reddy, Senior Manager for Zero-Emission Buses at C40 Cities, who leads electric bus work across the continent. Together, they unpack the hard questions: • Are Chinese-African e-bus partnerships building real local manufacturing capacity? • Can African cities move beyond assembly into batteries, software, and core EV components? • Who controls data, financing, and power grids in this new electric transit ecosystem? • Do pay-as-you-go models empower operators — or create long-term technological lock-in? This episode goes beyond headlines to explore policy, financing, skills, minerals, grids, and industrial value chains, offering a clear-eyed look at what it will take for Africa's electric bus revolution to deliver jobs, cleaner air, and lasting economic value. As always, subscribe to The Africa EV Show for in-depth conversations on electric mobility, energy transition, and Africa's industrial future. Also, join the discussion in the comments: Are electric buses Africa's path to green industrialization — or a missed opportunity? JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @hakeenah Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth

Can electric vehicles really thrive in a country where second-hand petrol and diesel cars still rule the roads? 🇬🇭 In this episode of The Africa EV Show, host Njenga Hakeenah sits down with Eddie Opoku, founder of Ghana's Ryde Channel, to unpack the realities of electric mobility in one of West Africa's most dynamic car markets. From the streets of Accra, where Chinese-made EVs are popping up beside used Toyotas, to the challenges of charging infrastructure, battery confidence, and resale value, this conversation explores the forces shaping Ghana's transition from internal combustion to electric. 🔋 Topics Covered: Why Ghana's second-hand market still dominates — and how EVs are breaking through The rise of affordable Chinese EVs and the brands leading the charge Charging access and local infrastructure gaps Consumer trust, resale value, and battery health concerns Policy shifts and local assembly — can Ghana build its own EV industry? 👉 Subscribe for more deep dives into Africa's electric mobility revolution — from Nairobi to Accra to Cape Town! JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @hakeenah Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth

Welcome to The Africa EV Show, where we explore the forces driving Africa's clean mobility revolution from policy and technology to the people shaping the future of transport. In this episode, host Njenga Hakeenah sits down with Dennis Wakaba, an e-mobility consultant and industry expert, to unpack Kenya's double approach to help with the shift to e-mobility from importing fully built EVs to assembling locally-made electric buses, cars, and motorbikes many powered by Chinese technology. This week, the discussion focuses on how Chinese EV tech is continuing to shape Kenya's electric mobility landscape, the challenges and opportunities in local EV assembly and manufacturing, why affordability and scale remain the biggest roadblocks, what happens when an EV battery "dies" and the ever-concerning issue of data privacy. The conversation also looks at safety and the lessons from recent EV crashes of the Xiaomi SU7 in Chengdu, China and the reality of Kenya's EV charging infrastructure and what's next Listen till the end to hear Dennis's thoughts on whether Kenya can make "Buy Kenya, Build Kenya" a true reality in the EV space. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @hakeenah Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth

The African electric vehicle (EV) market is projected to grow by 25 percent annually over the next five years. This means that stakeholders, including financiers, have to plan for this expansion if they are to benefit from the sector. In this week's conversation, Kwasi Frimpong from Citi discusses the challenges and opportunities in financing EVs in African countries. He highlights the economic barriers to EV adoption, including high upfront costs, limited infrastructure, and restrictive tariffs. The discussion also covers the role of government policies, the impact of Chinese investment, and the need for diversified funding sources to support emerging mobility companies. Kwasi emphasizes the importance of sustainable business models and the potential for exponential growth in the EV sector by 2030. The key takeaways from this conversation are the significance of the e-mobility promise for Africa and how to diversify funding sources to address the economic barriers. There's also a surprise insight that e-mobility is not considered a high-risk sector by the bank, which is interesting given that the sector is still in its infancy in many African countries. Kwasi also discusses how Chinese investment is reshaping the African auto market, as well as the future of the auto sector in Africa, considering the competing and complementary factors. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @hakeenah Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth

This episode of The Africa EV show delves into the critical challenges facing electric mobility in Africa, particularly focusing on intra-African trade barriers. The discussion highlights how tariff walls, customs friction, and inconsistent standards hinder the movement of electric vehicle components and finished products across borders. The conversation also explores the role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) in reducing these barriers, the impact of currency conversion on trade, and the challenges of human capital movement. Njenga Hakeenah hosts Samuel Kamunya, the Head of Business Development & Enterprise at BasiGo. He shares insights from experiences related to the electric bus assembly in Kenya and Rwanda, emphasizing the need for harmonized policies to foster growth in the EV sector. The key takeaways highlight how intra-African trade barriers increase costs and hinder innovation, posing a significant challenge to EV adoption. There are also insights on currency conversion and the impact on profitability of cross-border trade, as well as visa requirements and the benefits that would come with harmonizing trade policies and enhanced regional integration. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @hakeenah Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth

The electric vehicle market is heating up, but not in the way you might expect. In this episode of The Africa EV Show, host Njenga Hakeenah is joined by Lei Xing, co-host of China EVs & More, to unpack the brutal price war currently shaking up the global EV industry and the implications for Africa's emerging EV landscape. At the center of this pricing battle is China's EV giant BYD, which recently announced deep discounts that bring the price of its Seagull model down to just $8,000. While this may sound like a win for affordability, it could upend markets across the globe, including Africa. We explore how these price cuts are pressuring smaller automakers, both in China and abroad, and ask whether Africa might become a dumping ground for "orphaned" EVs from brands that can't survive the price war. There's also the looming risk of poor after-sales service, disappearing warranties, and an influx of e-waste from cheap imports. This episode dives into whether African markets can compete by scaling up local assembly, adjusting tariff structures, and navigating the delicate balance between affordability and sustainability. We also take a closer look at who might survive this bloodbath. Tesla may have started the race, but BYD is taking it to extremes. Key takeaways include: BYD's aggressive price strategy is forcing smaller EV brands out of business at a record speed. African consumers risk being stranded if brands collapse and fail to provide ongoing support. Chinese automakers are eyeing Africa for expansion, but after-sales service remains a significant weak spot. If you care about the future of mobility in Africa, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Subscribe to The Africa EV Show for expert insights, and don't forget to like, comment, and share to support more conversations that matter.

In this impactful episode of The Africa EV Show, we speak with Jorgs Mbugua (CEO of eBikes Africa) and Dan Kamau (CEO of Ace Mobility), two Kenyan innovators transforming mobility for people with disabilities across the Global South. They share how locally-built electric wheelchair attachments and adapted vehicles break barriers, reimagining Chinese EV platforms through partnerships with India, Colombia, and beyond. Dan also shares the personal story behind Ace Mobility, inspired by his paraplegic father, who lost his job due to transport inaccessibility. The episode highlights Kenya's pressing mobility gap: while only 4% of Kenyans own cars, infrastructure routinely excludes pedestrians and wheelchair users. Through inclusive design and advocacy, eBikes Africa and Ace Mobility prove that mobility is a right, not a privilege. This is more than a conversation, it's a movement. Follow eBikes Africa and Ace Mobility to support inclusive mobility and help reshape Africa's transport future. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @hakeenah Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth

This week on The Africa EV Show we're skipping the climate pitch and diving into the business playbook—discussing market segmentation, distribution, customer financing, and what it takes to scale an EV hardware company in a challenging yet high-potential market like Nigeria. In this episode of the Africa EV Show, Njenga Hakeenah interviews Kenneth Ukpabia, CEO of Orbit Electric, about the company's innovative approach to electric mobility in Nigeria. They discuss the CF-1 electric motorcycle, focusing on market segmentation, logistics, strategies for affordability, and customer preferences regarding battery ownership. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities in the Nigerian electric vehicle market, emphasizing the importance of local assembly and customer-centric solutions. Ukpabia also highlights the improvements in electricity supply in Lagos and outlines potential expansion plans beyond Nigeria. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @hakeenah Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth

In this week's episode of the Africa EV Show, CGSP's Njenga Hakeenah focuses on Ethiopia and its radical ban on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. There are increasingly more Chinese electric vehicle brands in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, not only for personal cars but also for ride-hailing, mass movement of people, and transportation of goods. Ethiopia has taken one of Africa's most aggressive stances on electric vehicles, banning the import of gas-powered cars, slashing EV taxes, and setting an ambitious target of half a million EVs by 2030. At the center of this transformation are Chinese automakers, local assembly plants, and a growing charging infrastructure network. While the transition hasn't been smooth for everyone due to the high upfront costs, spare parts shortages, and resale uncertainties, Ethiopia's EV revolution is a case study for countries seeking to transition their vehicles from ICE to electric. Sarah Assefa, a journalist based in Addis Ababa, joins Njenga this week for insights into her country's EV shift. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @hakeenah Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth

Michael Agbor says that when Nigerians ask: 'Can you drive an EV in the rain?' I show them videos of EVs plowing through 1-meter floods!" There's no better marketing tool than showing confidence in what you sell. In this episode of The Africa EV Show, Njenga Hakeenah engages with Michael Agbor, the General Manager of EV World Nigeria, which offers 360-degree EV vehicle consultancy. The sister company, Electric Mobility Center, sells EVs and offers potential customers an EV subsidy and financial options in partnership with local institutions. Agbor explains: How Nigeria is moving from EV skepticism to increased adoption with 5,000+ EVs now on the road! The Chinese EV brands dominating Nigeria's market including BYD, NETA, and pre-owned Teslas Free charging stations, financing hurdles, and why Nigerians hate car loans The truth about Nigeria's "customs duty-free" EV policy (and why it's hard to claim) Local assembly vs. imports – Why full EV manufacturing is still years away JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @hakeenah Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth

In Ghana, a fascinating company that started back in 2019 when EV tech was still very new came up with an ingenious idea to get around the power problems for their EVs. This company, Solar Taxi, imported a bunch of low-cost Chinese solar panels to charge a fleet of EV taxis in Ghana built using components sourced from China and India. It was an idea way ahead of its time. Today, Solar Taxi sells some EVs that are locally assembled- including e-scooters and two-wheelers. The company also recycles and repurposes end-of-life EV batteries which they use for energy storage. In this interview, Emmanuel Agyapong, Solar Taxi's Chief Operating Officer, joined Njenga Hakeenah to discuss the evolution of Ghana's electric vehicles market. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @hakeenah Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth