Powering Africa’s EV Revolution By Investing in Taxi Drivers

Around the globe, countries are driving forward their own Electric Vehicle (EV) revolutions. Regions such as the UK, for instance, aim for 80% of new vehicles sold to be zero-emission by 2030. However, while the rest of the world is accelerating towards an EV future, Africa is facing a complex set of hurdles, including knowledge gaps, import duties and limited access to clean energy, which are hindering the widespread adoption of EVs across the continent. While the challenge is significant, there lies an equally strong opportunity for the continent to empower taxi drivers as leaders in its shift towards greener transport.

Urban taxi drivers are arguably the foundation of Africa’s transport sector, with communal taxis and moto-taxis accounting for between 75% and 80% of Africa’s total motorised trips. These drivers keep millions of people moving each day, working long hours and covering considerable distances. This high mileage makes them the perfect candidates for early EV adoption. However, this mobility shift is only possible with the right financial models and policy frameworks. Only then will we be able to transform how people move across the continent.

Electrifying Africa’s taxis not only makes sense for the planet, but also for the economy. Research from the International Energy Agency's Africa Energy Outlook reveals that Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for just 2% of the world’s vehicles, yet contributes nearly 5% of global road transport emissions. It’s also crucial to remember that electric vehicles cost less to operate, which from an economic perspective will allow drivers to increase their income in the long term. And with our research revealing that 80% of taxi drivers in Africa cite fuel cost as their main reason for wanting to switch to EVs, it’s evident that cost-saving is a huge factor at play.

This clear disparity shows both an urgent need and an untapped opportunity to focus efforts where they can have the greatest impact for the continent. Prioritising taxis over private vehicles to electrify transport across the continent offers a practical and equitable solution to reducing emissions, simultaneously improving driver livelihoods and triggering sustainable growth.

Why high-mileage vehicles are the key to rapid EV impact

Taxis clock significantly more kilometres daily compared to privately owned cars. The more they drive, the more fuel is saved and emissions avoided. Replacing diesel and petrol vehicles with EVs can deliver rapid environmental returns and lower drivers’ operational costs.

The high usage of taxis also means investments in EVs can yield faster returns. Charging infrastructure can be developed around centralised or depot-based systems, simplifying installation and maintenance. In many urban centres where energy access is more reliable, concerns about range become less significant. With careful planning and collaboration with local utilities, these challenges can be addressed effectively.

Unlocking EV access through inclusive financing

At the core of this opportunity lies the economic empowerment of drivers. While EVs typically have higher upfront costs, they offer lower maintenance and running costs. For drivers who spend a significant portion of their income on fuel and repairs, this transition can improve earnings over time.

To realise this potential, innovative financing models are essential. Solutions like lease-to-own schemes or microloans, specifically tailored to the informal economy, can remove the affordability barrier. Creating access to capital improves financial inclusion and enables drivers to invest in more sustainable business models.

Additionally, wider EV adoption in the taxi sector creates jobs throughout the entire value chain. From vehicle assembly and battery servicing to charging infrastructure and fleet management, this shift can support a more resilient and inclusive economy. Investing in training and skills development will be key to building a strong ecosystem for long-term economic stability.

How EVs can improve urban living at scale

The environmental benefits of electric taxis extend far beyond carbon reduction. For example, lower air pollution and reduced noise levels contribute to a better quality of life in rapidly growing cities. For urban residents often exposed to traffic congestion and poor air quality, the shift to EVs can offer direct health improvements.

Taxi drivers also act as visible ambassadors of change. Their adoption of this new technology helps build familiarity and trust among wider consumer groups, accelerating broader uptake of EVs.

Supportive policy will also be vital in achieving this vision. Governments can help by offering targeted subsidies, reducing import duties on EVs, or providing preferential licensing for electric taxi operators. Public-private partnerships, such as the recent UK collaboration with Invest Africa, can unlock funding and drive scalable impact.

Why collaboration is essential for Africa’s EV future

One of the key challenges facing the wide-scale adoption of EVs in Africa is the number of systematic changes required across different sectors to make it a reality. From flexible loan options to charging infrastructure and a more sustainable electrical grid, no single group, government, company or person will be the silver bullet.

For example, the EMPower Project, a recent initiative launched in East Africa with five different partner organisations. They aim to increase EV uptake in the taxi industry by providing tailored loan solutions for EV taxis, developing digital applications, offering training and upskilling, and establishing EV infrastructure in the region. It is precisely these kinds of multi-stakeholder initiatives, with wide-ranging partnerships applied across the continent, that will be the key to unlocking EVs as a foundational part of Africa’s future.

Charting Africa’s own path to clean, inclusive mobility

Amidst its challenges, Africa has been presented with an opportunity to define its own path in the global EV transition. This path, if executed correctly, will reflect its unique environmental and socio-economic realities. By strategically focusing EV efforts on the taxi sector, Africa will accelerate towards a future of fast, sustainable and inclusive mobility for all.

This shift is not merely about vehicle electrification; it is about job creation, enhancing the continent’s urban environments, improving income for countless individuals, and building a resilient system that allows cities across the continent to keep on moving, all while dramatically reducing the impacts of climate change. By intentionally investing in the people responsible for keeping Africa moving every single day, the continent will keep pace with global change and lead with purpose, empowering taxi drivers to adopt cleaner technologies and unlock a new realm of sustainable growth and economic opportunity for the entire continent.

By Roland Vos (Co-Founder of InCharge Technologies) and Jonty Rawlins (Director of Sustainability at Platcorp)