Africa is embarking on a major energy transition in the transport sector. Leveraging strategic partnerships with China and innovative financing models, Nigeria and Kenya are transforming their urban landscapes through the local assembly of electric vans and taxis.

The rise of local assembly

Rather than importing finished vehicles, African players now favour the assembly of SKD (Semi-Knocked Down) kits supplied by Chinese giants.

1. In Nigeria: Saglev , in partnership with Dongfeng Motor Corp , has launched production of 18-seater vans in Lagos. The objective is ambitious: 2,500 units per year and an expansion of the range to 17 models to serve all of West Africa.
2. In Kenya: Rideence Africa has invested $2.46 million to assemble minibuses and taxis in Mombasa, through Associated Vehicle Assemblers (AVA) . This project marks the birth of Kenya's first 100% electric vehicle production line.

An unbeatable economic argument

Switching to electric vehicles isn't just about environmental impact; it's primarily about practicality. In a context of volatile fuel prices, the financial advantage is clear:

Indicator	Internal Combustion Engine Vehicle	Electric Vehicle
Cost for 200 km	> $15 (Gasoline)	~ $3 (Recharge)
Environmental impact	High emissions	Zero direct emissions

Removing the obstacles: Energy and Financing

The success of this transition rests on two corrective pillars designed to overcome the continent's structural obstacles:

1. Energy independence

To address the instability of electrical grids, companies like Saglev are deploying solar charging stations , guaranteeing a reliable and decarbonized energy source.

2. Innovative financial models

With the initial purchase cost remaining an obstacle, flexible solutions are emerging to attract public transport operators:

1. Rent-to-own: Rideence offers taxis at approximately $18 per day.
2. Pay-as-you-drive: BasiGo-Kenya charges approximately $0.20 per kilometer driven after a deposit is paid.

“These financing models mitigate risks for operators and accelerate the introduction of vehicles.” — Dennis Wakaba , Electric Mobility Association of Kenya.

A market in the making

While the momentum is real, there's still a long way to go. Of the millions of vehicles on the road in Africa, only 30,000 are currently electric. Furthermore, the continent's total automotive production (1.1 million units last year) remains largely concentrated in Morocco and South Africa.

However, with the entry of new players like Ethiopia — where the Belayneh Kinde group already assembles 150 minibuses per month — Africa is outlining the contours of green industrial sovereignty.