The shift towards EVs demands significant investment, and both the private and public sectors have essential roles to play. In this article, we explore private sector fundraising, public sector investment, and examples of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in growing Africa’s charging network.
Private Sector Investment
Private sector investment is playing a pivotal role in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and the development of charging infrastructure across Africa. Major global players, such as TotalEnergies, BP, Shell, and Equinor, have committed $500 million to boost energy access in sub-Saharan Africa, including funding for e-mobility and charging technology development.
Additionally, home-grown companies like Roam Electric, BasiGo, and Mogo Kenya are at the forefront of driving innovation in the region. These companies have secured substantial investments, including a $30 million funding package to develop electric buses, motorcycles, and charging infrastructure in Kenya.
In another development, the African Development Bank’s Green Mobility Facility for Africa is mobilising $300 million to provide technical assistance and long-term financing solutions for scaling EV infrastructure and addressing barriers such as high upfront costs and limited technical expertise.
Public Sector Investment
Public sector support is equally essential in driving Africa’s transition to electric mobility, as seen in initiatives like the Rwanda Green Fund. This government-backed fund has made substantial contributions, including a $225,000 grant to BasiGo Rwanda for enhancing electric bus charging infrastructure.
Public investment in Rwanda has also facilitated the launch of Kabisa’s ultra-fast charging facility in Kigali, located strategically at SP’s Kanombe Station. This facility, supported by the Rwanda Green Fund and the Development Bank of Rwanda, is a critical piece of infrastructure, enabling faster charging for commercial EV fl eets and offering cost savings of up to 80% compared to fossil fuel transport.
Similarly, Kenya Power has announced a $1.9 million investment plan to install 19 EV chargers by 2026, marking signifi cant strides in public sector support for EV infrastructure.
Public-Private Partnerships
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can be instrumental in expanding EV infrastructure in Africa. One notable example is the collaboration between Hassan Allam Utilities, Infinity, Misr Petroleum, and Gastec to establish EV charging stations across Egypt. This partnership leverages Misr Petroleum and Gastec’s existing filling station networks to install EV chargers at strategic high-traffic locations.
The involvement of both public and private entities ensures the deployment of scalable and sustainable charging infrastructure, which is crucial for the widespread adoption of electric mobility in Africa. Through such collaborations, PPPs are fostering the growth of the green mobility sector by combining private sector expertise and investment with public sector support for long-term infrastructure development.
Conclusion
The transition to electric mobility in Africa requires a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors, leveraging their unique strengths. Blended fi nancing – combining public funding, concessional loans, and private investment – is the most effective approach, as it derisks early-stage projects while enabling private sector innovation, effi ciency, and scalability. Public support through subsidies, grants, and public-private partnerships (PPPs) ensures equitable access and long-term sustainability, while private sector fundraising accelerates deployment. By combining these efforts, Africa can build a robust, inclusive EV charging infrastructure, driving the continent toward a greener and more sustainable future.
Reference List
https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/totalenergies-bp-equinor-shell-commit-500-mln-boost-energy-access-2024-11-15/
https://www.afdb.org/sites/default/files/documents/projects-and-operations/green_mobility_facility_for_africa_-_project_summary_note.pdf
https://weetracker.com/2024/05/27/kenya-e-mobility-basigo-roam-mogo-30m-fundraise/
https://www.dabafinance.com/en/news/basigo-rwanda-gets-225k-from-rwanda-green-fund-for-upgrade
https://cleantechnica.com/2025/02/15/kabisa-enables-commercial-ev-adoption-in-east-africa-by-launching-1st-ultrafast-charging-hub-in-kigali/
https://energycapitalpower.com/kenya-power-electric-vehicles-ev-plan/
https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/private-and-public-sectors-come-together-to-establish-a-company-for-ev-charging-stations-for-the-first-time-in-egypt-hou9u2xh
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