This is a free preview of the upcoming Africa EVs Weekly Digest, part of the new CGSP Intelligence service.
Changes in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and trade dynamics worldwide are unlocking business innovation. African countries, which largely lag behind technological advancements, are not being left out this time round.
From local solutions to business strategies that place them at the center of the e-mobility shift, African EV innovators are not only learning from the rest of the world but also showing that they no longer have to wait for hand-me-down solutions.
EV innovation is bringing change from public transport in Ethiopia to the infamous matatus in Kenya. There’s no better time to be an EV innovator in Africa than now. As the saying goes, the early bird catches the worm.
This week in Africa’s EV scene:
Tunisian electric scooter maker Pixii Motors could become the first African EV maker to export its scooters to the European market once it receives the European Conformity (CE) certification.
The company sells its electric scooters to both commercial clients, who use them for last-mile delivery, and to individual consumers. It offers both upfront purchases and a lease-to-own plan. For many African countries, certification to supply goods and services to the European market is coveted, and Pixii Motors could open the doors for many other EV manufacturers targeting the market.
Why This Matters: With Europe’s higher purchasing power, African EVs finding their way there could mean not only better returns but also create the opportunity for more advanced manufacturing, which could vastly improve product quality.
There is an increasing share of Chinese hybrid and fully electric vehicles in the UAE. BYDs, Cherys, and Jetour’s T2 SUV are becoming common in cities across the region.
Even as the charging infrastructure remains limited, the UAE is emerging as one of the markets where luxury Chinese EVs are finding a home.
Why This Matters: If past sales patterns are any indication, many of these hybrids and electric vehicles are likely to find their way into Africa’s secondhand car markets. As Chinese EV makers look to widen their reach, the UAE could emerge as a key supply hub for African countries that depend on imported used vehicles.
Tesla now requires its suppliers to phase out China-made components for vehicles built in the United States. This move underscores how sharply escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing are reshaping global manufacturing.
Why This Matters: “American-made” increasingly means “more expensive,” a reality that is especially stark in African markets and other regions where purchasing power is far lower than in the United States. The price difference could open the door wider for Chinese electric vehicles, which may become the more accessible option for many buyers.
Chery has entered the Kenyan market, one of Africa’s more significant hubs for vehicle sales. The company offers a range of electric and plug-in hybrid models, including the fully electric Omoda E5 and several PHEVs in its Tiggo lineup, such as the Tiggo 7 Hybrid and the Tiggo 8 Pro Plug-In Hybrid.
Why This Matters: With the growing influx of Chinese hybrid and fully electric vehicles, Kenyan consumers now have a wider range of options. Yet prices remain out of reach for most buyers, keeping new cars beyond the means of many. As a result, the country’s robust secondhand vehicle market will continue to dominate the mobility landscape.
Yango, a technology company focused on e-mobility, has partnered with Changan Automobile to distribute electric vehicles to e-hailing operators across Africa. The partnership represents a significant step in Changan’s broader push to expand its presence across the Middle East and Africa.
Why This Matters: This is not just a distribution agreement but a mobility ecosystem-building. Changan is embedding into the platforms people already use while Yango is accessing better-quality EV fleets which can improve service reliability and reduce total running costs, helping them to grow sustainably.
In context
Africa’s transition to electric vehicles depends on tackling the deeper structural issues shaping the sector — from policy gaps and quality control to reducing reliance on foreign solutions. Building more local capacity is critical to overcoming the obstacles that continue to limit EV adoption. Supporting homegrown innovation, in particular, offers a path for local talent to design solutions that reflect the continent’s real-world mobility challenges.
The takeaway:
Africa is positioning itself as a dynamic player in the global EV landscape. Local innovators are creating homegrown technologies and business models that can compete internationally, as seen with Pixii Motors targeting Europe. Meanwhile, global trends are reshaping access, affordability, and supply chains, presenting both challenges and opportunities for African consumers and manufacturers.
