Smarter Mobility Voices with Macodou Gueye, Head of Operations, BRT de Dakar (CETUD)
Recorded at UITP Summit 2025, Hamburg | Hosted by Ben Pullen, Founder, Smarter Mobility Africa
“We built chargers into the route.”
That decision didn’t just reduce kilometres — it redefined how electric buses are operated.
In this episode of Smarter Mobility Voices, Ben Pullen sits down with Macodou Gueye, Head of Operations at BRT de Dakar, to explore how Senegal successfully launched West Africa’s first electric Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. The conversation dives into charging infrastructure, smart operations, and Dakar’s strategy to increase efficiency while reducing emissions.
From Grid to Road: Dakar’s Smart Strategy
Dakar’s eBRT wasn’t designed around buses — it was designed around systems.
“Electrical technology is more expensive at the start, but cheaper in operation,” says Gueye.
Instead of routing buses back to depots, Dakar integrated chargers into the corridor at three multimodal hubs. This dramatically reduced unproductive kilometres and kept the system moving.
CETUD also partnered early with Senegal’s national electricity utility (Senelec) to ensure grid capacity — avoiding the all-too-common mistake of having buses arrive before infrastructure is ready.
Intelligent Charging, Smarter Fleets
The 121-bus fleet runs on an intelligent charging system built by CarMedialab. Each bus is equipped with on-board equipment that communicates with the grid in real time.
“When we plug in the cable, there’s communication between the bus and the system. We can manage the state of charge in real time.”
That means fewer delays, better energy management, and optimised fleet performance.
Advice for Cities Across Africa
Asked what lessons other cities should take from Dakar’s experience, Gueye is clear:
“Do the studies before. Have a good mobility plan. Work with your stakeholders — ministries, municipalities, utilities. And study the technology before procurement.”
The message is simple: electrification works best when infrastructure leads and strategy guides.
A Continental Model
“Cities I’ve spoken with across Africa see this project as an inspiration to move faster with their eBRT.”
Dakar’s example is more than a local success — it’s helping shape a regional movement. For African cities planning the transition to zero-emission transport, Dakar is proving what’s possible.
Hear More in Our On-Demand Webinar
If you’d like to dive deeper into the future of electric public transport in Africa — including charging infrastructure, informal systems, and innovative finance — watch our latest SMA webinar:
The Future of Public Transport Electrification in Africa
Originally aired: Wednesday, 23 July 2025
Available to watch anytime, on demand.
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