As Rwanda accelerates its green transition, electric motorbikes and buses are reshaping its transport sector. Supported by technology and infrastructure from the Chinese mainland, Rwanda is emerging as a leader in Africa’s shift to sustainable transport. Ahead of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, the China-Rwanda partnership is deepening, exemplifying how African needs are driving investments in green development.
Electric Motorbikes: Rwanda’s Clean Mobility Drive
Rwanda is at the forefront of Africa’s green mobility surge, particularly with the rapid adoption of electric motorbikes. Known as the “land of a thousand hills,” Kigali’s challenging terrain and growing urban population have made e-motos (electric motorbikes) a popular choice for moto-taxi (electric motorbike taxi) drivers. Electric motorbikes offer 83 percent lower carbon emissions compared to petrol-powered alternatives, signaling Rwanda’s green transport ambitions are taking shape.
Contribution from the Chinese mainland has been pivotal in this transformation. Over 70 percent of Rwanda’s national highways are constructed by Chinese firms such as the China Road and Bridge Corporation, while the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation has enabled smoother and more efficient operations for Rwanda’s 26,000 registered moto-taxis. Additionally, Rwanda’s electric motorbike startup Ampersand has deployed over 500 e-motos, supported by battery swap stations powered by Rwanda’s hydropower grid, much of which utilizes technology from the Chinese mainland. “Rwanda is our home and the perfect launchpad for East Africa’s electric mobility,” said Josh Whale, CEO of Ampersand.
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Sustainable wheels: How China is driving Rwanda's electric transport
cgtn.com
