By:
Robert Kwaku Annor
The African Union has called
for coordinated policies, investment and stronger regional value chains to
accelerate Africa’s transition to electric mobility and connect cleaner
transport with energy security, industrialisation and job creation.
The call follows the
adoption of the African Union’s Strategic Directions for the Development of
Electric Vehicles in Africa by African transport and energy ministers at the
5th Ordinary Session of the Specialised Technical Committee on Transport and
Energy in Johannesburg in April 2026.
Developed by the African
Union Commission (AUC) in partnership with the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA),
the framework guides member states in shaping policies, strategies and regulations
that support sustainable electric mobility and local value creation.
Building on this foundation,
the AUC joined governments, regional institutions, investors, industry
representatives and other partners at Africa E-Mobility Week & Forum 2026,
held from 28 to 30 September in Stellenbosch, South Africa, under the theme
“The African E-Mobility Strategy: From Policy to Action.”
Discussions highlighted the
practical steps needed to accelerate implementation, including harmonised
standards, charging infrastructure, affordable financing, local manufacturing,
skills development and renewable energy integration.
Regional cooperation and the
African Continental Free Trade Area were identified as important mechanisms for
connecting markets, strengthening African electric vehicle value chains and
creating opportunities for businesses, young people and women.
The African Union said the
priority now is to translate continental policy direction into investment and
delivery, building an electric mobility transition that supports Africa’s
development ambitions and brings tangible benefits to its people.
