High Costs And Limited Charging Stations Slow EV Adoption In Kenya

• A groundbreaking Youth Summit is being held in Nairobi and is set to unite Africa’s brightest innovators, mapping out future careers in electric mobility
• During the conference, experts examined the critical infrastructure gaps and explore public-private funding solutions to accelerate e-mobility adoption
• There will be a dynamic expo and thrilling EV parade that will electrify Nairobi, giving the public a glimpse into Africa’s green transport future

Muyela Roberto is a business journalist at TUKO.co.ke with over 9 years of experience in the digital media, offering deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.

Nairobi: Kenya is hosting the 3rd edition of the Africa E-Mobility Week (AEW2024) Conference, which aims to advance electric mobility across Africa.

Youth powering the EV revolution

The event brings together policymakers, industry leaders, innovators, investors, and the public to engage in meaningful conversations, explore innovative solutions, and highlight the continent’s role in driving the future of sustainable transport.

Dubbed Charging Forward – Accelerating E-Mobility Adoption in Africa, the event will features key industry experts discussing opportunities, challenges, and strategies for scaling e-mobility in Africa.

Key highlights include a Youth summit in collaboration with Youth for Sustainable Energy and Mobility (YSEM) and GIZ, which brings together young innovators and future leaders to explore career paths and opportunities in e-mobility.

Tackling Africa’s charging dilemma

After the summit, attendees will embark on industry tours powered by FSD Africa, offering a behind-the-scenes look at cutting-edge developments in the e-mobility industry.

“Infrastructure is a huge challenge in the adoption of e-mobility. Because there is inadequate charging infrastructure and the capital cost of setting up charging infrastructure is very high. Public - Private funding can bear the lower set ups costs of EV charging infrastructure due to subsidies,” said Stephen Nzioka, Director of Renewable Energy, Ministry of Energy & Petroleum.

The Business to Consumer Expo which is set to end on September 21, is open to the public, providing an opportunity to experience the latest innovations in electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, and e-mobility solutions.

Attendees will engage with industry leaders and explore a wide range of products and services that are shaping the future of transportation in Africa.

“We see the great importance of e-mobility companies working effectively to create a predictable policy environment that supports investment acceleration,” noted Daniel Guenther from the German Embassy.

Electric dreams on display

The event will conclude with an exciting EV Parade organised in collaboration with the Electric Mobility Association of Kenya (EMAK).

The parade will showcase a variety of electric vehicles, bringing the message of sustainability and clean transport to the streets of Nairobi.

"Political goodwill plays a vital role in advancing eMobility, as evidenced by Ethiopia's courageous choice to prohibit specific fossil fuel vehicle imports, even in the face of diplomatic resistance. This policy change, though disruptive, illustrates that decisive government action can yield long-term advantages. Moreover, lowering the capital costs of electric vehicles and improving financing options will enable consumers to focus on utility rather than price," explained Michael Muchiri, Head of Secretariat, National Electric Mobility Taskforce.

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• Kenya power to invest KSh 258 million in electric cars, bikes, charging stations
• We will eliminate all taxes for first 100,000 electric cars, William Ruto says
• Kenya Power unveils 2 free electric cars charging stations in Nairobi

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.