Africa-Press – Angola. Africa is undergoing one of the fastest urban transformations in the world. With more than 1.46 billion people and cities expanding at unprecedented speed, the continent’s mobility needs are skyrocketing — bringing both immense challenges and unparalleled opportunities for electric mobility (e-mobility) innovators.
At Africa E-Mobility Week 2025, Charlène Kouassi, Director of Movin’On Africa, shared her insights on how the continent can seize this pivotal moment to build a cleaner, more inclusive transport future.
A Continent on the Move
Africa’s cities are growing twice as fast as the global average. While 44.5% of Africans live in urban areas today (compared to 57% globally), urbanization has surged +32.7% between 2015 and 2023.
Despite its size, Africa remains under-motorized — with just 51 vehicles per 1,000 people, versus a global average of 218. Yet this gap highlights vast, untapped potential for affordable mobility solutions.
Meanwhile, economic indicators show steady progress. The continent’s GDP per capita stands at USD 1,994, compared to USD 13,337 globally, while overall GDP growth of +22% since 2015 nearly matches the world average.
“This is not a story of limitation — it’s a story of acceleration,” Kouassi said.
The Challenge: Dependence on Fossil Fuels and Imported Vehicles
Africa’s transport systems remain heavily reliant on imported fuel and second-hand internal-combustion vehicles (ICE), leaving economies exposed to volatile prices and supply risks.
Fossil-fuel subsidies amount to USD 199 per capita — far below the global average of USD 813.
Transport emissions reach 375 million tonnes CO2e, less than half the global total, but rising fast.
Air pollution claims 1.1 million lives annually across the continent, with 110,000 deaths from road traffic alone.
“The cost of pollution is devastating,” Kouassi emphasized. “Electrification isn’t optional — it’s urgent.”
The Opportunity: Leapfrogging Through Electrification
Africa’s late start in large-scale motorization may prove a blessing in disguise. With urban mobility systems still taking shape, the continent has a chance to leapfrog directly into cleaner, smarter electric transport.
Two- and three-wheeled electric vehicles (EVs) are already spearheading adoption, particularly in Rwanda, Kenya, and Benin, where delivery and commercial fleets are going electric.
Although renewable energy in transport currently stands at only 0.5% (versus 4.6% globally), Africa’s vast solar potential offers a clear path to catch up quickly. Countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, and Rwanda are taking bold steps — banning ICE imports, offering EV tax incentives, and investing in charging infrastructure.
Driving the Transition: EV24.africa
At the center of this transformation is EV24.africa, part of the AUTO24.africa / AfriCar Group ecosystem backed by Stellantis Middle East & Africa.
The company’s mission: to make electric mobility accessible, trusted, and affordable for consumers and businesses across the continent.
EV24.africa is:
Democratizing access through buy, lease, and fleet-exchange models.
Leveraging 90+ digital platforms reaching over 100 million Africans annually to boost awareness and trust.
Partnering with governments, energy companies, and manufacturers to expand charging networks and financing options.
Scaling rapidly across 20+ countries — from Côte d’Ivoire to Rwanda, South Africa to Morocco — bringing electric cars, SUVs, and motorcycles to market.
The Road Ahead
Africa’s e-mobility transformation is being driven by its youth, entrepreneurs, and innovators. As Kouassi noted, “The journey won’t be easy — but the opportunity is unprecedented.”
With growing investment, policy alignment, and technological adoption, the continent is on track to redefine global mobility.
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