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The Africa EV Show

The China-Global South Project

Join Nairobi-based multimedia journalist Njenga Hakeenah as he explores the fast-evolving world of electric mobility across Africa. From cutting-edge EVs and electrified scooters to industry trends and clean energy innovations, this podcast delivers expert insights and in-depth conversations with key players driving Africa's electric revolution. Listeners will meet some of the smartest, most creative tech entrepreneurs on the continent who are shaping the future of transportation. Stay plugged into the future of mobility on The Africa EV Show!

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#32
Wednesday · 30 min
Chinese EV Expansion Changing Kenya's Cars, Skills and Mobility Industry
Kenya's electric vehicle market has changed significantly in the past two years, and Chinese EV technology, vehicles, batteries, diagnostics, and manufacturing capacity are playing a central role in that shift. In this interview, Alex Munene, CEO and founder of Advanced Mobility Kenya, speaks with Njenga Hakeenah about the rapid growth of e-mobility in Kenya, the expansion of Chinese EV brands, local assembly, battery swapping, skills transfer and the policies needed to build a sustainable electric mobility industry. A major focus is the transfer of technical skills. Kenyan engineers and technicians are increasingly being trained to maintain Chinese-made EVs, while institutions such as TVETs, NITA and private training providers are developing electric mobility curricula. Munene discusses training linked to Chinese battery technology, diagnostic equipment and the broader goal of making Kenya an exporter of EV skills. The interview also explores why EV adoption in Kenya is increasingly driven by economics rather than environmental concerns, particularly for high-mileage fleets and public transportation. Munene discusses operating-cost savings, charging infrastructure, vehicle affordability and why electric mobility may make less economic sense for some private motorists. In this interview: China's role in Kenya's EV transition Chinese EV technology and manufacturing Chinese investment in African e-mobility Bingo EV and battery swapping Chinese EV brands entering Kenya Local EV assembly in Kenya EV technician and engineering skills transfer TVET and e-mobility training Chinese battery and diagnostic technology EV fleet economics in Kenya Electric buses, taxis and commercial vehicles Kenya's e-mobility policy framework China's long-term industrial policy Kenya, Rwanda and Ethiopia's EV strategies The future of electric mobility in Africa Watch the full interview for a detailed look at how Chinese technology, capital and manufacturing capacity are reshaping Kenya's emerging electric vehicle industry
#31
September 17 · 39 min
The China Price Paradox and Africa's Assistive Tech Industry Survival
In this episode of The Africa EV Show, Njenga Hakeenah speaks with Bernard Chiira, director and co-founder of Innovate Now, Africa's premier assistive technology accelerator, which focuses on driving the success of assistive technologies to enable mobility for people living with disabilities. While the conversation focuses on how electric mobility and Chinese EV technology could transform mobility in Africa, it goes beyond electric cars, buses and trucks to examine electric wheelchairs, scooters, mobility devices, batteries and the infrastructure needed to make transportation accessible to people with disabilities. Chiira explains why China's manufacturing scale, access to components and ability to produce affordable technologies are increasingly important to Africa's assistive technology sector. But the discussion also raises a bigger question: when will Africa move from importing Chinese technology to building and manufacturing its own? Chiira discusses local assembly, battery technology, recycling, repairability, standards, R&D and the possibility of creating African manufacturing hubs, while arguing that accessibility should be treated as an economic issue rather than simply a social protection concern. The interview also explores the financing gap facing African assistive-tech startups, the potential for Chinese manufacturing partnerships and why accessible EV infrastructure could benefit everyone and not just those living with disabilities.
#30
August 18 · 33 min
Kenya's EV Charging Gamble: Chinese Hardware, African Roads, Local Solutions
China is shaping the technology behind Africa's EV transition — but how can African companies build their own charging infrastructure around it? In this episode, we speak with Tony Gathecha, Managing Director of SupaChaja, a Nairobi-based EV charging company building a charging network designed for Kenya's growing electric vehicle market. SupaChaja began its journey in 2023 by developing a software platform that allows drivers to locate, use and pay for charging, before expanding into EV charging hardware and infrastructure. Much of that hardware comes from China, which dominates global EV and charging-equipment manufacturing. But the conversation goes beyond simply importing Chinese technology. We explore how SupaChaja is trying to adapt Chinese-made charging equipment to Kenyan needs, including M-Pesa payments, local connectivity, software interoperability and different EV charging standards. Topics discussed: China's role in global EV and charging-equipment manufacturing Why the majority of SupaChaja's charging hardware comes from China Chinese EV charging standards and the GBT ecosystem Whether EV charging could eventually move toward a universal connector Chinese technology, quality, safety and cost The challenge of moving from imported equipment to local assembly and manufacturing How Kenyan policy and taxation could encourage local EVSE production Why SupaChaja is focusing on passenger EVs rather than Kenya's much larger electric two-wheeler market Kenya's special EV electricity tariff Chinese investment and potential funding opportunities for African e-mobility The conversation also examines a bigger question: Does Africa have to choose between Chinese, European and American EV technologies, or can African markets develop their own standards and infrastructure around the technologies available to them?
S1 · E30
August 9 · 26 min
Bingo E2 Seeks to Be Africa's "Airbnb" EV For Ride-Hailing
China's electric vehicle industry is expanding rapidly across Africa, and Kenya has become one of the key markets where new business models are being tested before they take shape across the continent. In this episode of the Africa EV Show, we speak with Christian Scheder, co-founder of Bingo, about why the company is introducing the Bingo E2 electric vehicle with an ecosystem built specifically for ride-hailing drivers. Unlike many electric cars entering Kenya, the Bingo E2 combines U.S.-developed vehicle design with Chinese engineering, manufacturing, and supply chains. The discussion explores how China's EV expertise is being adapted for African markets through long-range batteries, battery swapping, connected vehicle software, financing partnerships, and data-driven fleet management. Christian explains why Bingo believes ride-hailing drivers—not private car owners—could become the biggest force behind electric vehicle adoption in Africa. He also discusses the company's plans to work with banks, insurers, charging providers, and local partners to help drivers reduce operating costs, improve access to financing, and eventually own their vehicles. The interview also examines how Chinese manufacturing capabilities, including production through Geely, could support future local vehicle assembly in Kenya and what that could mean for jobs, skills, and the country's growing EV industry. Topics Covered China's role in Kenya's growing EV market The Bingo E2 electric vehicle Chinese EV manufacturing and supply chains Ride-hailing and electric mobility in Africa Battery swapping and charging infrastructure Connected vehicle technology and fleet data Financing models for EV drivers Local vehicle assembly in Kenya Geely's manufacturing partnership The future of electric transportation across Africa
S1 · E29
July 13 · 31 min
What Electric Motorcycle Buyers are Looking for
Africa's electric motorcycle revolution is accelerating—and commercial motorcycle riders are leading the transition. In this episode of The Africa EV Show, host Njenga Hakeenah speaks with Moses Musinguzi, Sales and Operations Manager at Zeno Uganda, who started his career as a boda boda rider before rising to manage electric motorcycle operations across East Africa. This conversation explores why electric motorcycles are growing faster than electric cars across Africa, how battery swapping is changing the economics of commercial transport, and why Chinese battery technology has become central to the continent's e-mobility ecosystem. Moses shares first-hand insights into what riders actually care about when switching from gasoline motorcycles to electric motorcycles, including operating costs, battery reliability, charging infrastructure, ownership models, maintenance costs, and daily earnings. The discussion also examines how Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS), fast charging, battery swapping networks, and digital ride-hailing platforms are reshaping urban mobility in Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, and across Africa. Whether you're an investor, policymaker, fleet operator, entrepreneur, EV startup founder, researcher, or simply interested in the future of sustainable transportation, this interview offers practical insights from someone who has worked on both sides of the industry. In this episode • Why electric motorcycles are leading Africa's EV transition • How Chinese battery technology powers Africa's growing e-mobility market • The real economics of electric motorcycles versus gasoline motorcycles • Why battery swapping is becoming the preferred business model • How Battery-as-a-Service lowers the cost of EV ownership • Battery swapping vs. fast charging: what commercial riders actually prefer • How electric motorcycles increase rider profitability • The biggest misconceptions about electric motorcycles • Why word-of-mouth drives EV adoption faster than advertising • The differences between Uganda, Kenya, and Nigeria's motorcycle markets • How ride-hailing platforms are accelerating electric motorcycle adoption • Why battery reliability matters more than battery size • The future of boda boda businesses in Africa • What makes a successful electric motorcycle entrepreneur • Lessons from managing thousands of commercial motorcycle riders Join the Discussion: X: @ChinaGSProject | @Hakeenah Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social Follow CGSP in French and Spanish: French: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Spanish: www.chinalasamericas.com | @ChinaAmericas
S1 · E28
June 18 · 24 min
The Electric Highway Linking Nairobi to Kigali
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) technology is proving to be the easily available option for countries seeking to cushion their economies from expensive fuel imports, which have been exacerbated by the U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran. While this has made lives more difficult, the upside is that, for many fuel-importing countries, it's been a silver lining, as they're now pivoting to electrons for their mobility. In Kenya, fuel prices are climbing, which is leading to increased logistics costs, pushing transport operators to seek alternatives that make financial sense. One solution attracting growing attention is electric trucking. In this episode, I sit down with John Msingo, the Kenya Vehicle Expansion Specialist at electric mobility company Kabisa, to explore one of the country's most talked-about electric trucks. We discuss why African mobility companies are partnering with Chinese manufacturers, the economics of operating an electric truck, charging infrastructure along the Nairobi-Mombasa corridor, maintenance costs, range, performance, and what the future of heavy-duty electric transport could look like in East Africa. Join the Discussion: X: @ChinaGSProject | @Hakeenah Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social Follow CGSP in French and Spanish: French: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Spanish: www.chinalasamericas.com | @ChinaAmericas Join us on Patreon! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth
S1 · E28
April 24 · 24 min
How EVs Are Slashing Tourism Costs in Rwanda
Electric mobility is quietly transforming Africa's tourism sector and Kigali, Rwanda, is emerging as a leading case study. In this episode of The Africa EV Show, we speak with Edwidge Cyuzuzo, COO of Izuba EVs, about how her company is using Chinese electric vehicles to power a new model of green tourism. From dramatically lower operating costs to reduced dependence on imported fuel, EVs are reshaping how tour businesses operate in landlocked economies like Rwanda. We explore: Why EVs are more cost-effective than petrol vehicles in Rwanda How Chinese brands like BYD are enabling early adoption The real-world charging experience in Kigali Business models for EV tourism and fleet operations The role of partnerships in scaling electric mobility Key challenges include infrastructure and regional expansion With fuel prices volatile and logistics complex across Africa, electric vehicles offer a compelling alternative — not just for sustainability, but for economic resilience. Is this the future of tourism in Africa? Can EV adoption unlock broader industrial and energy transformation across the continent? Watch now to understand how electric mobility is moving from theory to reality in one of Africa's most forward-looking cities.
S1 · E27
April 8 · 19 min
From Diesel to Solar: How Nigerian School is Cutting its Energy Costs
A quiet energy revolution is unfolding in Lagos and it's happening inside a school. In this episode, we sit down with Bukola Oluwalade, Director of Abba's Heart Schools, to explore how one institution is rethinking energy, transport, and sustainability from the ground up. From fully solar-powered classrooms to electric school buses, this is a real-world case study of how Africa can leapfrog into a cleaner, more resilient future. As fuel prices rise and grid instability persists, Abba's Heart Schools made a bold move: eliminate diesel generators, cut fuel costs to zero on select routes, and power both campus and transport using solar energy. The result? Lower costs, cleaner air, quieter campuses, and greater energy independence. We break down the major issues in transitioning to renewable energy including: How solar power replaced unreliable grid electricity Why electric buses are transforming school transport economics The real costs and financing behind going off-grid Lessons for schools across Africa looking to transition How global oil shocks are accelerating the shift to clean energy This conversation goes beyond technology and looks at how changing mindsets, planning, and building resilient systems in a volatile world can offer greater autonomy and independence for African energy systems. If you're interested in Africa's energy transition, electric mobility, or practical sustainability solutions, this is a must-watch.
#26
April 1 · 25 min
How China's EV Model Is Reshaping Tanzania's Electric Mobility Future
Africa's electric mobility transition is not happening the way most headlines suggest. It's not just about importing new EVs — it's about converting existing vehicles, building local systems, and using data to make mobility work. In this episode of The Africa EV Show, Arnold Mwangakala, founder of Smart Haven Tanzania, breaks down how lessons from China's EV ecosystem, from supply chains to battery systems, can be adapted to not only Tanzania but African realities. We explore: Why EV conversion (motorcycles & three-wheelers) is leading adoption How battery swapping is solving range and charging challenges The role of IoT and data in financing and scaling EV businesses Lessons from China's manufacturing and supply chain dominance What it will take for Africa to build its own EV ecosystem This is a must-watch for anyone interested in electric vehicles, Africa's energy transition, and the future of mobility. Also, subscribe, like, and share for more insights on Africa's EV and energy transition.
#24
March 4 · 54 min
Building Nigeria's EV Industry to Cut Fuel Bills and Create Jobs
This week, The Africa EV Show heads to Nigeria, where one company is tackling three of the country's biggest challenges at once: rising fuel costs, urban air pollution, and the urgent need for industrial jobs. Our guest, Dr. Sam Faleye, is the director of Saglev, a company with an ambitious mission to accelerate the shift from internal combustion engines to electric mobility in emerging markets. Saglev isn't just importing electric cars. It's assembling vehicles locally, building charging infrastructure, and developing an end-to-end ecosystem designed especially for ride-hailing fleets, mass mobility, and commercial logistics operators. In a country that spends billions of dollars annually on fuel imports, the stakes are high. Can electric vehicles reduce foreign exchange pressure? Can local assembly build technical skills and strengthen Nigeria's automotive value chain? And how viable is it to depend on Chinese EV technology while trying to build Nigeria's manufacturing capacity? These are some of the questions we're seeking answers to in this conversation, where we'll also explore: The gap in Nigeria's transport and energy ecosystem that Saglev set out to solve Why local assembly matters for cost, jobs, and skills transfer The role of Chinese EV platforms and supply chains in making Nigerian assembly viable The business models — leasing, fleet ownership, partnerships — that are actually working The biggest barriers slowing adoption today And what success for Nigeria's EV industry could look like over the next decade If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, share it with a colleague, and join us next time as we continue exploring how e-mobility is reshaping jobs, industry, and development across the continent. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @hakeenah Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth
#23
January 29 · 36 min
China's Electric Buses in Africa: Clean Transport or a New Dependency?
As African cities grow, they are choking even faster from diesel-belching public transport vehicles, which remain the backbone of urban life. In this episode of The Africa EV Show, we explore how Chinese electric buses (e-buses) are reshaping urban mobility across the continent and whether this shift represents true industrial transformation or simply a new form of dependency. Drawing lessons from China's large-scale e-bus rollout, we examine what's happening in cities like Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Cape Town, and Dakar as Chinese OEMs partner with African governments and startups. Joining host Njenga Hakeenah is Prian Reddy, Senior Manager for Zero-Emission Buses at C40 Cities, who leads electric bus work across the continent. Together, they unpack the hard questions: • Are Chinese-African e-bus partnerships building real local manufacturing capacity? • Can African cities move beyond assembly into batteries, software, and core EV components? • Who controls data, financing, and power grids in this new electric transit ecosystem? • Do pay-as-you-go models empower operators — or create long-term technological lock-in? This episode goes beyond headlines to explore policy, financing, skills, minerals, grids, and industrial value chains, offering a clear-eyed look at what it will take for Africa's electric bus revolution to deliver jobs, cleaner air, and lasting economic value. As always, subscribe to The Africa EV Show for in-depth conversations on electric mobility, energy transition, and Africa's industrial future. Also, join the discussion in the comments: Are electric buses Africa's path to green industrialization — or a missed opportunity? JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @hakeenah Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth
#21
Nov 27, 2025 · 41 min
The Silent Crisis Killing African EV Manufacturing
In this episode, we go behind the scenes of African hardware innovation with Eugene Wang'ombe, founder of Husksberry Engineering. In this episode of The Africa EV Show, we explore the real challenges and strategic choices facing local manufacturers who are building advanced products like electric go-karts from the ground up. Wang'ombe reveals why China remains the go-to source for critical components—from electric motors and batteries to specialized tooling—and the trade-offs between cost, customizability, and local knowledge transfer. We also tackle the big questions: Can Kenya ever manufacture a fully local EV? What's stopping billionaires from investing in local factories? And why is it so hard to find like-minded engineers to build an industrial ecosystem? JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @hakeenah Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth
#20
Nov 10, 2025 · 31 min
Petrol to Plug: Inside Ghana's EV and Used Car Market
Can electric vehicles really thrive in a country where second-hand petrol and diesel cars still rule the roads? 🇬🇭 In this episode of The Africa EV Show, host Njenga Hakeenah sits down with Eddie Opoku, founder of Ghana's Ryde Channel, to unpack the realities of electric mobility in one of West Africa's most dynamic car markets. From the streets of Accra, where Chinese-made EVs are popping up beside used Toyotas, to the challenges of charging infrastructure, battery confidence, and resale value, this conversation explores the forces shaping Ghana's transition from internal combustion to electric. 🔋 Topics Covered: Why Ghana's second-hand market still dominates — and how EVs are breaking through The rise of affordable Chinese EVs and the brands leading the charge Charging access and local infrastructure gaps Consumer trust, resale value, and battery health concerns Policy shifts and local assembly — can Ghana build its own EV industry? 👉 Subscribe for more deep dives into Africa's electric mobility revolution — from Nairobi to Accra to Cape Town! JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @hakeenah Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth
#19
Nov 3, 2025 · 31 min
Training Africa's EV Technicians: How Kenya is Preparing For E-Mobility Future
In this episode of The Africa EV Show, host Njenga Hakeenah sits down with Alex Mũnene, Founder and fleet mobility expert at Advanced Mobility Kenya, to explore how training programs are shaping the continent's electric vehicle shift. From driver and mechanic training to policy and investment lessons from Rwanda, Ethiopia, and the DRC, this episode dives deep into how skills development, education, and hands-on programs are preparing Africa for the electric future. Mũnene, who organized Kenya's first EV driver and technical training, shares on-the-ground insights about: ⚡ The biggest challenges for mechanics transitioning from ICE to EVs ⚡ The growing role of private sector and partnerships in e-mobility training ⚡ What new EV owners need to know before hitting the road ⚡ Why Rwanda and Ethiopia are ahead — and what Kenya can learn Whether you're an EV enthusiast, mechanic, policymaker, or just curious about Africa's mobility transformation — this episode is for you. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @hakeenah Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth
#18
Oct 20, 2025 · 35 min
Local Assembly & Chinese EVs Powering Kenya's Electric Vehicle Shift
Welcome to The Africa EV Show, where we explore the forces driving Africa's clean mobility revolution from policy and technology to the people shaping the future of transport. In this episode, host Njenga Hakeenah sits down with Dennis Wakaba, an e-mobility consultant and industry expert, to unpack Kenya's double approach to help with the shift to e-mobility from importing fully built EVs to assembling locally-made electric buses, cars, and motorbikes many powered by Chinese technology. This week, the discussion focuses on how Chinese EV tech is continuing to shape Kenya's electric mobility landscape, the challenges and opportunities in local EV assembly and manufacturing, why affordability and scale remain the biggest roadblocks, what happens when an EV battery "dies" and the ever-concerning issue of data privacy. The conversation also looks at safety and the lessons from recent EV crashes of the Xiaomi SU7 in Chengdu, China and the reality of Kenya's EV charging infrastructure and what's next Listen till the end to hear Dennis's thoughts on whether Kenya can make "Buy Kenya, Build Kenya" a true reality in the EV space. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @hakeenah Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth
#17
Sep 11, 2025 · 27 min
The Underground EV Revolution Driven by a Kenyan's Billion-Dollar Vision
Discover the silent, under-the-radar electric vehicle revolution happening in Kenya! In this episode of The Africa EV Show, Njenga Hakeenah sits down with Peter Kihara, the visionary behind Teachers Transporters. Kihara shares his incredible journey from the traditional transport industry to becoming a pioneer in customizing and importing Chinese electric vehicles ranging from motorcycles to tuk-tuks and small cars- specifically designed for African needs. He reveals how he travels to China with designs "in his brain" to create affordable, practical EVs for the Kenyan market. In this conversation, the two discuss competition with Chinese dealers, savings drivers made by switching from fuel to electric, and the company's innovative "lease-to-own" financing model. Kihara also has an ambitious plan to retrofit 200,000 petrol motorcycles to electric and locally assemble the vehicles, as well as the role of the government in boosting the sector. This is a powerful story of African ingenuity, utilizing green technology to solve local problems and building a business that aims to become a billion-dollar company. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @hakeenah Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth
#16
Sep 8, 2025 · 46 min
Citi's Approach to Financing Africa's Green Mobility
The African electric vehicle (EV) market is projected to grow by 25 percent annually over the next five years. This means that stakeholders, including financiers, have to plan for this expansion if they are to benefit from the sector. In this week's conversation, Kwasi Frimpong from Citi discusses the challenges and opportunities in financing EVs in African countries. He highlights the economic barriers to EV adoption, including high upfront costs, limited infrastructure, and restrictive tariffs. The discussion also covers the role of government policies, the impact of Chinese investment, and the need for diversified funding sources to support emerging mobility companies. Kwasi emphasizes the importance of sustainable business models and the potential for exponential growth in the EV sector by 2030. The key takeaways from this conversation are the significance of the e-mobility promise for Africa and how to diversify funding sources to address the economic barriers. There's also a surprise insight that e-mobility is not considered a high-risk sector by the bank, which is interesting given that the sector is still in its infancy in many African countries. Kwasi also discusses how Chinese investment is reshaping the African auto market, as well as the future of the auto sector in Africa, considering the competing and complementary factors. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @hakeenah Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth
#15
Aug 28, 2025 · 17 min
Customer Feedback Shaping Spiro's E-bike Design in Uganda
E-mobility is beginning to take root in Uganda, and for companies like Spiro, success has hinged on listening closely to customers. Just over a year after entering the market, Spiro has installed more than 150 charging stations nationwide, underscoring the demand for affordable mobility solutions. Central to its approach is a feedback-driven model of product development. Instead of relying solely on boardroom strategies or design studio concepts, the company incorporates input from riders at every stage. That process has already produced four iterations of its electric motorcycles, each shaped by consumer experience. Still, the road ahead is far from smooth. Challenges persist in sourcing and manufacturing locally, as well as in securing financing options for would-be buyers. This episode highlights not only the obstacles but also the need for tailored, localized solutions, critical to meeting the unique demands of African consumers and unlocking the broader potential of e-mobility across the region. Robert Kayimbye, the Global Head of Marketing - Africa at Spiro, joins Njenga Hakeenah in this conversation, where he also shares the company's plans for the next five years. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @hakeenah Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth
#14
Aug 18, 2025 · 1 min
Why Africa's EV Revolution is Stuck at the Border: The Hidden Trade Barriers Killing Electric Mobility
This episode of The Africa EV show delves into the critical challenges facing electric mobility in Africa, particularly focusing on intra-African trade barriers. The discussion highlights how tariff walls, customs friction, and inconsistent standards hinder the movement of electric vehicle components and finished products across borders. The conversation also explores the role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) in reducing these barriers, the impact of currency conversion on trade, and the challenges of human capital movement. Njenga Hakeenah hosts Samuel Kamunya, the Head of Business Development & Enterprise at BasiGo. He shares insights from experiences related to the electric bus assembly in Kenya and Rwanda, emphasizing the need for harmonized policies to foster growth in the EV sector. The key takeaways highlight how intra-African trade barriers increase costs and hinder innovation, posing a significant challenge to EV adoption. There are also insights on currency conversion and the impact on profitability of cross-border trade, as well as visa requirements and the benefits that would come with harmonizing trade policies and enhanced regional integration. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @hakeenah Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth
#13
Jun 24, 2025 · 53 min
Youthful Technicians Building Malawi's E-bikes Driven by Chinese Tech
In this conversation, SGV co-founder and director, Evan Liu, joins The Africa EV Show host Njenga Hakeenah to discuss the evolving landscape of electric mobility in Africa, with a particular focus on Malawi's efforts to electrify transportation through SGV's initiatives. The conversation examines the challenges of raising capital in the African market, the dynamics of global supply chains, and the importance of local manufacturing in achieving a competitive advantage. Among the discussion highlights are the significant cost savings offered by electric vehicles and the potential for local component assembly to foster sustainable growth in the region. Liu discusses the importance of local skills development and workforce training in the electric mobility sector in Malawi. He emphasizes the need for partnerships with technical institutions and the establishment of apprenticeship programs to build a skilled workforce. Liu also shares insights on the challenges and lessons learned in the African investment space, highlighting the significance of transparency and quality inputs. The conversation further explores the infrastructure needed for e-mobility, financing solutions for electric motorcycles, and the role of policy engagement in fostering growth. Liu addresses the competition in the e-mobility sector and the unique challenges faced in the Malawian electric vehicle (EV) market. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @hakeenah Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth

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