Inside Rwanda’s first EV leapfrog

Rwanda is making history as the first country in Africa and the world to mandate all public transport motorbikes to be electric by January 2025. This bold move towards electric mobility is a significant step in the country's commitment to combatting the climate crisis and embracing clean energy solutions. Kaushik Burman, CEO of SPiro Group, commends the Rwandan government for its visionary decision and underscores the need for collaboration and partnership in the nascent electric vehicle (EV) industry. To support this transition, SPiro Group aims to build a vertically integrated operation company, spanning from manufacturing to smart energy networks, ensuring a seamless transition for customers and aligning with the government's clean energy vision. The ambitious plan involves scaling up the number of electric motorbikes on the road, with projections to reach 10,000 by mid-2025 and 20,000 by the end of the year. Despite these transformative figures, Burman acknowledges the challenges ahead and emphasizes the need for a structured and methodical approach. With approximately 125,000 gasoline bike drivers in Rwanda, the transition to EVs requires careful planning, including supply chain reliability, infrastructure development, and capability building. SPiro Group has already deployed over 1,000 electric bikes in Rwanda in the last six months, demonstrating their commitment to supporting the government's initiative and laying a strong foundation for the EV ecosystem. Central to the success of EV adoption in Rwanda is the establishment of charging infrastructure and battery swapping stations. SPiro Group has already operationalized 30 battery swapping stations, with plans to expand to upcountry locations beyond Kigali city. Offering a range of charging solutions, including fast charging and home charging, SPiro aims to address customer concerns around range anxiety and provide a seamless experience throughout their journey. By investing in infrastructure and customer-centric solutions, SPiro Group is poised to drive the electric mobility revolution in Rwanda and set a precedent for sustainable transportation across the continent. In line with their commitment to collaboration and partnership, SPiro Group is actively engaging with policymakers and industry stakeholders to shape the regulatory framework and foster a conducive environment for EV development. By working closely with the government and raising capital for infrastructure development, SPiro Group aims to accelerate the growth of the EV industry in Rwanda and create a model that can be replicated in other African countries. As Rwanda paves the way for a cleaner and greener future, the EV revolution is set to transform the country's transportation landscape and showcase the potential of electric mobility in driving sustainable development across the continent.