Fast-Tracking E-Mobility Adoption in Rwanda: How the New National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) Will Shape the Future of Green Mobility

A SAFIRIDE motorcycle and SAFIRUN van charging at EVP - A local EV charging solutions company

Rwanda's newly adopted Industrial Policy, running from 2024 through 2035, comes as a beacon of progress towards achieving Vision 2050 and accelerating sustainable development. At its core, this policy embodies a commitment to innovation, industrial competitiveness, and green growth. Among its key pillars, the promotion of environmental sustainability and green growth aligns perfectly with Rwanda's vision to position itself as a regional leader in electric mobility (e-mobility). This policy’s strategic framework is set to unlock a new era of e-mobility solutions, supporting both the public and private sectors as they scale up investments in electric vehicles (EVs) and related infrastructure.

As Rwanda embraces the second phase of its National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), which aims to propel the nation towards upper-middle income status by 2035, e-mobility has become an essential driver for the nation's sustainable transport goals. The NST2 places a strong emphasis on developing advanced industries and innovative services, with green growth policies deeply integrated to ensure compliance with environmental standards. E-mobility fits directly into this equation, serving as a practical pathway to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing transport efficiency.

Data from Rwanda’s National Institute of Statistics shows that the industry sector contributed 22% to the country's GDP in 2023. This industrial policy aims to increase this share to 24% by 2035, with a further goal of 33% by 2050. The rise of e-mobility will not only help achieve these targets but also contribute significantly to export diversification through high-value goods such as electric vehicles and their components. Rwanda's strategy to transition to electric transport solutions, especially in public and commercial sectors, will play a crucial role in reducing dependency on imported fossil fuels, improving air quality, and creating quality green jobs.

A key pillar of the new industrial policy focuses on increasing investment and access to finance, which will greatly facilitate the growth of Rwanda’s e-mobility sector. Existing companies like SAFI Universal Link, which sells GORILLA electric motorcycles in Kigali, will benefit from enhanced financial support and the development of technology, science, and innovation capabilities. This financial ecosystem will also create a conducive environment for new players entering the market, fostering healthy competition and driving innovation in electric vehicle technology. With the industrial policy's prioritization of electric vehicle assembly and component production, Rwanda is poised to become a manufacturing hub for EVs in the East African region.

An EVP charging station in Kacyiru near the road heading to King Faisal Hospital - The station is known to have the ports/nozzles to charge both e-cars and e-motorcycles

Furthermore, Rwanda’s focus on infrastructure development and spatial planning will accelerate the adoption of e-mobility. NST2 aims to enhance regional connectivity, particularly through the creation of a regional logistics hub. This move will provide the necessary infrastructure for charging stations, battery recycling facilities, and maintenance centers, which are essential for the success of e-mobility initiatives. The government’s green growth agenda under the NST2 also ensures that industrial development adheres to environmental guidelines, reducing the carbon footprint of Rwanda’s rapidly urbanizing areas.

Rwanda’s commitment to environmental sustainability is further strengthened by initiatives such as the Made in Rwanda (MiR) policy, which aligns with the industrial policy’s focus on export-oriented industries. By fostering the production and export of locally manufactured electric vehicles, Rwanda will not only support the regional market but also position itself as a leader in the global e-mobility industry. Additionally, the country’s push towards green technology and circular economies will ensure that the production of electric vehicles is resource-efficient, with an emphasis on recycling and repurposing materials, further enhancing Rwanda's competitiveness on the global stage.

The newly approved industrial policy’s focus on the automotive sector, specifically electric vehicles, underscores Rwanda’s determination to champion the Fourth Industrial Revolution while ensuring green growth. With the right policy frameworks in place, the country is on track to achieve a diversified economy powered by innovative, environmentally conscious industries. As the NST2 unfolds, e-mobility will not only transform Rwanda's transport sector but also solidify the nation’s role as a pioneer of sustainable development in Africa.

In the years to come, Rwanda will likely see exponential growth in e-mobility, driven by targeted government policies, increased investments, and a thriving private sector. The country's strategic foresight and commitment to green economies will turn e-mobility into a major contributor to Rwanda’s Vision 2050—a future where sustainability, technology, and innovation coalesce to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for all Rwandans. Resource: https://www.gov.rw/blog-detail/rwanda-announces-2nd-national-transformation-strategy