Rwanda’s ambition to electrify 20 per cent of bus fleet by 2030 is both bold and timely. At a moment when climate concerns are reshaping global policy, the government’s push for clean mobility demonstrates foresight and a commitment to sustainable growth. However, as the World Bank’s new report underlines, turning this aspiration into reality calls for meticulous planning, heavy investment, and sharper policy tools. The early progress in Kigali, where private operators have rolled out e-buses and charging stations, shows that change is possible. Projects like the planned Nyabugogo hub, with solar panels, storage batteries, and high-capacity chargers, offer a glimpse into a greener future for urban transport. However, scaling such initiatives across the country will be expensive and technically demanding. The $7.7 million price tag for Nyabugogo alone hints at the scale of investment required nationwide. The elephant in the room remains electricity grid. Even without electric mobility, Kigali’s peak demand is projected to rise by 64 percent by 2030. Introducing hundreds of electric buses risks straining already stretched infrastructure. While smart charging and solar integration could mitigate this pressure, these solutions require coordination, sophisticated regulation, and upfront investment. Without them, the vision of clean buses could turn into frequent outages and costly inefficiencies. Policy and financing are equally critical. The report rightly stresses blended finance, green bonds, and public-private partnerships. Rwanda has a track record of leveraging such tools, but investor confidence will hinge on clear regulations, particularly around electricity tariffs, land use for charging sites, and battery waste management. The absence of strong frameworks risks discouraging private capital at a time when the government cannot fund this transition alone. There is also a broader question of priorities. Electrifying buses is a powerful symbol of modernity, but it must go hand in hand with improving service reliability, affordability, and urban planning. Cleaner buses alone will not resolve congestion in Kigali or improve accessibility for low-income commuters. Rwanda’s ambition is commendable. But achieving it requires an honest reckoning: the country must invest in its grid, enforce sound policy, and embrace innovative financing with discipline. Electrification should be a pathway to a smarter, more inclusive transport system, not just a headline target.
