Africa is home to the fastest-growing population in the world. This growth has not been without consequences. GHG emissions on the continent drastically increased and the transport sector is one of the main contributors to these emissions, with demand for transport fuels growing by almost 50% between 2010 and 2020. Much of this growth is driven by the ever-increasing demand for mobility.

Africa has the fastest growing vehicles rate with increasing demand for passenger mobility. The informal transportation systems based on motorbikes (two-wheelers), tuktuks (three wheelers), cars and minibuses form the largest share of passenger transportation in the region. 

Building on the steps already made with renewable energy in the region, particularly with the diffusion of off-grid PV solar energy systems, Africa’s potential to leapfrog fossil fuels is promising. Advancements in digital technology and simplified charging infrastructures made electric options for passenger mobility more compelling and the shift towards e-mobility is gradually taking place on the continent. E-mobility also provides great developmental potential for African countries such as the creation of “green jobs”. Africa’s young population plays a key role in the change. 

The event will bring together public and private experts to showcase ongoing efforts to “electrically” transform the African mobility and discuss policy options for accelerating upscaling and diffusion of successful technological solutions in the region. 

The objectives of the session are:

1. Enhance understanding on global trends and drivers of e-mobility, challenges for the development of e-mobility in Africa;

2. Show real case examples of e-mobility solutions and innovation already implemented in the region, including challenges and good practices;

3. Explore different roles of stakeholders and their experiences on the enabling environment and capacity need to increase the uptake of technological solutions and to foster partnerships;

4. Discuss how passenger e-mobility can contribute to achieve carbon neutrality and sustainable development goals.

UNFCCC Newsroom Article
Advancing Electric Mobility in Africa