Africa-Press – Uganda. As the landmark Grand Trans-Africa Electric Vehicle (EV) Expedition enters its final stretch, its impact is being measured not just in kilometres covered, but in the powerful partnerships, policy commitments, and continental momentum it has generated along the route. This momentum was especially evident in Lusaka, Zambia, where the expedition reached a pivotal point in advancing Africa’s electric mobility agenda.
Powered by strategic technology partner MTN, the initiative brought together government leaders, industry players, and innovators to align around a shared vision for Africa’s transition to clean, smart transport. The Lusaka engagements marked a critical juncture, positioning e-mobility as both a climate solution and a driver of industrialisation and regional integration.
On December 20, at East Park Mall, the expedition team led by Elias Bwambale, Head of Legal and Team Leader at Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC), held high-level discussions with the Zambia Electric Mobility and Innovation Alliance (ZEMIA). The talks were elevated by the presence of Patrick K. Kangwa, Secretary to the Cabinet and Head of the Public Service for Zambia, highlighting the national importance Zambia places on the e-mobility transition.
A key focus of the discussions was the role of technology and digital connectivity in accelerating electric vehicle adoption. As the expedition’s digital solutions partner, MTN has enabled the smart, connected capabilities of the Kayoola EV buses, demonstrating how reliable digital infrastructure underpins intelligent transport systems across Africa.
Speaking during the engagement, Chilufya Lusale, Enterprise General Manager at MTN Zambia, said: “Connectivity is the heartbeat of modern industry. Our partnership with Kiira Motors shows how digital infrastructure can transform a vehicle into a smart, data-driven mobility solution. We are providing the nervous system for Africa’s green transport revolution—ensuring the future of mobility is connected, intelligent, and sustainable.”
Discussions also focused on three strategic priorities: localising the Kayoola EV bus supply chain in Zambia, bridging academic research with market-ready innovation, and aligning African stakeholders around a shared ambition to electrify the continent.
In a dedicated policy dialogue, Mr Kangwa outlined Zambia’s phased approach to green growth, starting with importation and skills transfer, advancing through innovation, and culminating in local manufacturing and value addition. He revealed ambitious plans for battery and EV component manufacturing, positioning Zambia as a future hub in Africa’s electric mobility value chain.
Commending Uganda’s leadership in electric bus development, Mr Kangwa emphasised the strong potential for bilateral cooperation, noting that the partnership reflects a shared African vision for industrial independence and sustainable development.
The Lusaka engagement also featured a city ride aboard the Kayoola EV bus, with delegates touring landmarks including the Cabinet Secretary building and the home of Zambia’s founding president, Dr Kenneth Kaunda. Renowned Zambian artiste Pompi joined the experience, praising MTN and KMC for demonstrating how technology and local innovation can transform Africa’s transport future.
Reaffirming MTN Zambia’s long-term commitment, Lusale expressed appreciation to the Ugandan Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation – Office of the President (STI-OP) and KMC for their collaboration. Symbolically, he received a scale model of the Kayoola EV Bus, representing MTN’s digital and connectivity support for buses destined for the Zambian market.
Reflecting on the broader significance of the expedition, Bwambale said: “This expedition is more than a cross-border journey; it is a blueprint for African self-reliance. By integrating the Kayoola EV into Zambia’s industrial framework, we are not just deploying buses; we are building a continental supply chain where African innovation drives African prosperity.”
Having departed Mpika on December 22, 2025, the team is now en route to Tanzania, marking yet another milestone in a journey expected to exceed 13,000 electric kilometres. As the expedition nears its conclusion, it is clear that this mission represents more than mobility—it is a bold public-private partnership between African governments, Kiira Motors, and MTN, laying the foundation for a cleaner, smarter, and self-determined transport future for Africa.
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