The government, private sector, citizens, and development partners are all needed to work together to support Rwanda’s shift towards electric transportation, according to the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA). The call comes as Rwanda begins implementing its updated climate action plan, the third-generation Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate resilience. The NDC 3.0, approved by the Cabinet on November 28, 2025, outlines national climate ambitions for the next decade. The $12 billion plan, to be implemented from 2025 to 2035, aims to reduce 14.86 million tonnes of carbon emissions. Measures within energy use are estimated to have substantial mitigation potential, accounting for the second-largest share of national emissions reductions by 2035, contributing up to 5.52 million tonnes, representing a 42 per cent cut compared to the Business As Usual (BAU) scenario. The analysis indicates that measures within the transport sector have the greatest impact, representing 49 per cent of the total estimated mitigation potential. A large share of these reductions is expected to come from the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), which are projected to play a central role in transforming Rwanda’s energy and transport landscape. The e-mobility initiative plans to gradually increase the use of electric buses, passenger vehicles, and motorcycles from 2020 onwards, with a target for 70 per cent of new vehicle registrations to be EVs by 2035, up from 15 per cent in 2021, according to the updated plan. Incremental costs for EVs and nationwide charging infrastructure are estimated at $418 million. A broad range of interventions, including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), dedicated bus lanes, non-motorised transport (NMT) lanes, and other modal-shift initiatives, form part of the Transport Sector Strategic Plan. The adoption of EVs is expected to support the country’s Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy and the ambitions of Vision 2050. REMA has introduced a new four-year initiative titled “Accelerating the Transition to Electric Mobility in Rwanda”, with an approved $1.7 million in funding. The project seeks to address four barriers to e-mobility adoption: institutional, operational, regulatory, and market-related, while safeguarding the environment from long-term risks such as EV battery waste. The project has four components. Institutionalisation of the electric mobility component entails the creation of a national intersectoral coordination body; consolidation of stakeholder efforts and reduction of duplication; integration of gender-responsive strategies; and establishment of a national online knowledge management platform. EV battery management pilot component involves demonstration projects on EV systems; screening and scoping of EV battery end-of-life handling. The scaling and replication component looks expansion of electric mobility using existing infrastructure; development of a national charging station plan; proposal of financing mechanisms for e-mobility investments. Long-term environmental and system impact studies aim at assessing the long-term effects of EV charging on Rwanda’s electricity grid, drafting a national EV battery e-waste management policy. In 2021, Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) partnered with a private local company, Rwanda Electric Mobility (REM Ltd), and jointly launched a Retrofit Electric Motorcycles Project as a pilot phase in the city of Kigali, with financial and technical support from UNDP Rwanda through the Poverty Environment Action for SDGs (PEA) Project. According to the Ministry of Infrastructure, Rwanda counted more than 100,000 motorbikes officially registered as of 2021, with 46,000 operating as moto-taxis. The city of Kigali alone had 26,000 moto-taxis. The REM project aimed to retrofit up to 30,000 motorcycles. The Mitigation Action Facility supports the “Accelerating the Deployment of Electric Motorcycles in Rwanda” (E-Moto) project, which seeks to transform the motorcycle taxi sector, cut emissions, and create jobs. Led by the Rwanda Green Fund (RGF) and the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), with technical support from ICLEI Africa and GlobalDF, the project aims to mobilise over $150 million to boost the supply and adoption of electric moto-taxis. It is anticipated that over 53,000 e-motos will be made available during the project’s duration. Other key outputs include increased female participation as operators, riders, and employees; improved waste management; and national replication. Rwanda Urban Mobility Improvement (RUMI) Project by the City of Kigali is promoting dedicated Bus Lanes (DBL), and non-motorised transport (NMT) infrastructure to help reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Additionally, the project promotes electric mobility by supporting electric bus adoption and charging infrastructure. Incentives for the private sector Rwanda’s e-mobility transition is supported by fiscal incentives, including tax exemptions on EVs and reduced tariffs for charging infrastructure. These include waived or reduced customs duties, import duties, VAT, and excise taxes. The incentives also extend to spare parts, batteries, and charging equipment, making EV ownership more financially accessible for both individuals and businesses. Since July 1, 2025, electric vehicles have enjoyed full tax exemptions, covering VAT, customs duties, excise duties, and withholding taxes. EVs, their batteries, and charging equipment remain VAT-exempt until June 2028, according to the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA). Incentives also include rent-free government land for charging stations and charging tariffs offered at the lowest industrial rate. Rwanda additionally encourages local assembly and manufacturing of EVs, providing a 15 per cent Corporate Income Tax rate, a tax holiday, and exemption from the 5 per cent withholding tax at customs. Provisions in building codes and city planning regulations now require space for EV charging stations. Green number plates grant EVs preferential parking, potential free entry into designated congested zones, and free licences and authorisations for commercial EV operations. Williams Buningwire, acting spokesperson for the Rwanda Private Sector Federation (PSF), applauded the government for its incentives, saying the private sector must continue playing its part. “The transition to green mobility is a national effort. There are multiple benefits of electric vehicles compared to diesel-powered vehicles. They reduce air pollution and help save the money previously spent on fuel imports. On an individual level, EV owners also spend less on daily operations,” he said. Electrifying buses The government aims to electrify 20 per cent of its bus fleet by 2030, a target that will require significant investment in power infrastructure, regulatory clarity, and innovative financing, according to the Ministry of Infrastructure. The study, prepared under the Rwanda Urban Mobility Improvement Project (RUMI), analyses electricity demand, charging needs, and policy gaps, offering a roadmap for coordinated development in both the energy and transport sectors. Early initiatives in Kigali have seen private operators deploy e-buses and install charging stations. Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, State Minister in Charge of Infrastructure, said Rwanda plans for all buses in Kigali to be electric by December 2026. Emissions testing for diesel-powered vehicles The latest National Inventory Report shows that as of 2022, transport contributed 57 per cent of GHG emissions in the energy sector, reinforcing the need to accelerate the transition to electric mobility. “Rwanda has committed to reducing its GHG emissions by 53 per cent in its updated NDC compared to BAU by 2035,” REMA noted. In July 2025, REMA announced new emissions testing requirements for all diesel-powered vehicles, including motorcycles. The number of registered vehicles increased by 61,629 within two years, rising from 268,537 in 2021 to 330,166 in 2023, according to the 2024 Statistical Year Book from NISR. Health Minister Dr Sabin Nsanzimana urged vehicle owners to test emissions regularly to help curb rising respiratory health concerns. The benefits of electric vehicles include lower maintenance costs, reduced environmental impact, decreased dependency on imported fossil fuels, a 17 per cent reduction in GHG emissions, and a 15 per cent reduction in oil imports annually. Rwanda expects Rwf 20 billion in annual savings on oil imports.
