Thabo Nkosi 
Africa’s electric vehicle (EV) market is growing, but startups face challenges like limited funding, weak policies, and a lack of infrastructure. NGOs are stepping in to fill these gaps. They provide financial support, develop charging networks, and advocate for policies that make EVs more accessible. Here’s how:
- Funding: NGOs offer grants, seed funding, and connect startups with private investors. Examples include the LEAP Fund, which awarded $1 million to e-mobility projects, and partnerships like BasiGo and Ampersand that secured millions in investments.
- Infrastructure: Solar-powered charging stations and battery-swapping hubs are being set up, especially in rural areas, to support EV adoption.
- Policy Advocacy: NGOs work with governments to reduce import duties, revise tariffs, and create supportive legal frameworks for EVs.
- Training & Inclusion: Programs focus on skills training, gender inclusion, and building local expertise to maintain EVs and infrastructure.
NGOs are driving progress by addressing funding, infrastructure, and policy challenges, helping Africa’s EV startups grow and contribute to cleaner transportation.
Africa’s EV Revolution & Urban Mobility Solutions | Anazi Zote-Piper
Funding and Financial Support for EV Startups
Securing funding is one of the biggest challenges for EV startups, especially since traditional banks often lack the expertise to assess e-mobility ventures. To address this, NGOs have stepped up, offering financial support that helps startups launch, expand, and scale their operations.
Grant Programs and Seed Funding
NGOs are tackling funding gaps by offering targeted grant programs. These grants provide non-repayable seed capital, giving startups the financial boost they need to get off the ground. For instance, the Drive Electric Campaign’s LEAP Fund awarded $1 million in grants to ten e-mobility projects across Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda. Another example is the Sun Run – Sustainable Transport Africa partnership in Kenya, which received $130,280 in 2022 and $402,071 in 2024 from P4G. With plans to raise an additional $1.5 million and create 90 jobs, this initiative is deploying electric motorcycles, battery swap stations, and solar-powered charging hubs in rural areas. NGOs also help startups connect with international donors by assisting with proposal writing and fundraising efforts.
Encouraging Private Investment
While grants are crucial for early-stage funding, long-term growth depends on private sector investment. NGOs play a key role in de-risking these investments through collaborative initiatives. For example, BasiGo secured $6.6 million in 2022 and an additional $3 million in 2023, while Rwanda-based Ampersand raised $19.5 million in equity and debt in 2023, followed by $2 million in 2024. NGOs like Electric Mission in South Africa collaborate with governments and private investors to create favorable conditions for investment. They do this by organizing partnerships, showcasing successful pilot projects, and providing platforms for startups to present their technologies to potential backers.
Flexible Financing Models
To make EVs more accessible, NGOs are promoting flexible financing solutions tailored to the African market. Traditional financing often requires high upfront payments, which can be a barrier for many. Pay-as-you-go models are one solution, as seen with the Sun Run partnership in Kenya, which aligns costs with those of petrol vehicles to make EVs more affordable. Another example is Stima’s Mobility in Kenya, which offers battery swapping and lease-to-own plans, reducing upfront costs for riders.
NGOs are also exploring innovative revenue streams like carbon credits. For instance, EcoKada in Nigeria partnered with Netherlands-based Zeroca in 2023 to use carbon credits to subsidize e-bike delivery services, making them more affordable and encouraging growth. Emerging tools such as battery securitization, where EV batteries serve as loan collateral, are also gaining traction. Startups like Gogo in Uganda are already leveraging this approach, though educating local financial institutions on proper valuation practices remains a challenge.
The financial needs for EV startups in Africa are substantial, with estimates ranging from $3.5 billion to $8.9 billion by 2040 to cover asset financing, vehicle imports, assembly, and charging infrastructure across five key markets. NGOs continue to experiment with and refine financing models to bridge this gap, building a more sustainable financial ecosystem for e-mobility startups.
Infrastructure Development Programs
The growth of electric vehicles (EVs) hinges on having the right infrastructure in place. Across Africa, NGOs are teaming up with key players to establish charging networks, maintenance systems, and other support structures that EV startups need to succeed.
Charging Infrastructure Development
Reliable charging options are essential for EV adoption. To address this, NGOs are pushing for solar-powered charging stations, tapping into Africa’s abundant sunshine as an alternative to the often unreliable grid electricity.
One standout example is Ampersand in Rwanda, which operates over 1,350 electric motorcycles and supports them with battery-swapping stations in Kigali. Similarly, Stima Mobility in Kenya has created a network of battery-swapping stations specifically designed for moto-taxis.
Another initiative highlighting NGO involvement is the Drive Electric Campaign’s LEAP Fund. In November 2022, the fund awarded $1 million in grants to ten organizations across Africa. Beneficiaries included C40 Cities South Africa, which is working on e-bus deployment, and WRI Africa, focusing on multi-modal transport electrification in Kenya.
NGOs are also experimenting with innovative models. For instance, Mobile Power has partnered with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Youth Affairs to set up solar-powered battery-swap hubs. These hubs, cleverly integrated with local car washes, provide reliable charging solutions in areas without grid access.
The next big challenge? Expanding these solutions to reach remote and underserved regions.
Rural Access Solutions
Bringing EV infrastructure to rural areas comes with its own set of hurdles. Urban charging models often don’t work in these settings, so NGOs are stepping up with creative approaches tailored to rural needs.
Take the Sun Run – Sustainable Transport Africa partnership in Kenya, for example. Spearheaded by E-Safiri and Kiri E.V., this initiative received $402,071 from P4G in 2024 to roll out electric three-wheelers and solar-powered charging stations in rural communities. The project also includes dual-purpose infrastructure, such as cold storage facilities for fishing communities, making it a win-win for transportation and local industries.
EASVRM in Kenya has taken a community-first approach, deploying electric three-wheelers and solar charging stations that serve over 400 people daily. They’ve also introduced training programs to equip local technicians with the skills needed to maintain the infrastructure, ensuring long-term sustainability.
These rural projects are bolstered by strong maintenance and management systems, which are essential for keeping EV operations running smoothly.
After-Sales Support and Fleet Management
A strong EV infrastructure isn’t just about charging stations – it also requires reliable after-sales support and fleet management systems. NGOs are tackling maintenance challenges by providing training programs that promote self-sufficiency.
AfricroozE GmbH, for instance, has teamed up with local organizations to offer training on e-bicycle maintenance, ensuring that these vehicles remain operational over time. In Sierra Leone, NEEV Salone runs gender-inclusive training programs and is developing mobile apps that help users locate charging stations, monitor battery health, and schedule maintenance.
This ecosystem of support aligns with the mission of EV24.africa, which provides clear pricing, financing options, and delivery services across 54 African countries. Additionally, NGOs are embracing circular economy principles. For example, EASVRM extends battery life through recycling programs and develops local expertise to build a skilled workforce for the future.
These efforts are laying the groundwork for a sustainable EV ecosystem across the continent.
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Policy Advocacy and Regulatory Support
For electric vehicle (EV) startups to thrive, having a supportive policy environment is essential. Across Africa, NGOs are teaming up with governments to tackle regulatory hurdles and build frameworks that encourage the growth of electric mobility.
Advocating for Tariff and Tax Reforms
One of the key areas where NGOs are making an impact is financial reform. By advocating for changes in tariffs and taxes, these organizations aim to make EVs more affordable for businesses and consumers alike. For example, Clean Technology Hub Nigeria uses research on e-mobility policies to argue for lower import duties on EVs and components, ensuring their accessibility. Similarly, the Electric Mission in South Africa collaborates with the private sector and government to push for tax incentives and differential taxation that favors zero-emission vehicles over traditional fossil-fuel-powered alternatives. In Kenya, policy interventions have become a major factor driving the adoption of EVs. Additionally, NGOs are calling for reduced electricity tariffs for EV charging, making it cheaper to operate electric vehicles.
These financial reforms lay the groundwork for NGOs to focus on refining broader legal and regulatory frameworks.
Shaping Legal Frameworks
NGOs are stepping in to address gaps in e-mobility regulations by providing technical knowledge and sharing global best practices. Organizations like WRI Africa and Centro de Movilidad Sostenible are advancing multi-modal electric transport by introducing international standards for safety, battery disposal, and charging infrastructure. Beyond that, NGOs assist in shaping critical regulatory elements, such as vehicle safety standards, licensing requirements for EV drivers, and quality benchmarks for imported and locally assembled EVs. This ensures not only consumer protection but also supports the growth of the industry. The Instituto de Clima e Cidades Sustentáveis (ICSC) has even conducted analyses on e-jeepneys, offering a blueprint for inclusive public transport and how regulations can evolve to meet diverse needs.
These efforts create a solid foundation for collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Building Public-Private Partnerships
NGOs play a vital role in bringing governments, businesses, and civil society together to create collaborative e-mobility initiatives. A great example is the Electric Mission in South Africa, which aligns policy objectives with the needs of businesses. C40 Cities South Africa, working alongside the Drive Electric Campaign, has supported the development of e-bus deployment frameworks by fostering cooperation between municipal governments and transport operators. Another success story is the Urban Electric Mobility Initiative (UEMI), which has helped establish partnerships like Stima’s Mobility in Kenya, focusing on electric motorcycles and battery-swapping networks. In Sierra Leone, Mobile Power collaborates with the Ministry of Youth Affairs to integrate solar-powered battery-swap hubs, showcasing how cross-sector partnerships can benefit both transportation and local industries.
| Organization | Country | Partnership Type | Policy Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Mission | South Africa | Private sector + government | Supportive e-mobility policies |
| C40 Cities South Africa | South Africa | Municipal + campaign partnership | E-bus deployment frameworks |
| Mobile Power | Sierra Leone | Ministry + private sector | Solar-powered battery-swap hubs integration |
In addition to forming partnerships, NGOs organize stakeholder forums, policy roundtables, and demonstration projects that bring together a wide range of players to shape the e-mobility landscape. For instance, the Drive Electric Campaign’s LEAP Fund helps build local policy expertise, empowering governments to regulate e-mobility effectively. To address the lack of familiarity with e-mobility among financial institutions and government bodies, NGOs also host capacity-building workshops, organize study tours to successful e-mobility markets, and run secondment programs where their experts work directly with government ministries. These efforts ensure that all stakeholders are equipped to support the transition to electric mobility.
Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing
NGOs are stepping beyond policy advocacy to shape the future of Africa’s electric vehicle (EV) sector by focusing on the people behind it. Through tailored training programs, mentorship opportunities, and resource-sharing platforms, these organizations are laying the groundwork for sustainable EV entrepreneurship across the continent.
Startup Incubation and Mentorship
One way NGOs are making an impact is by offering incubation programs that combine technical training with business support. Take the SOLUTIONSplus initiative, for example. This program collaborates with local organizations to deliver practical, hands-on training in assembling and maintaining electric vehicles. In Tanzania and Uganda, it partners with AfricroozE to teach skills like vehicle assembly and battery management systems.
In rural Kenya, the Sun Run project highlights another effective model. This initiative, a collaboration between startups E-Safiri and Kiri E.V., with Glasgow Caledonian University as a partner, focuses on building local expertise to maintain and service electric three-wheelers designed for rural communities.
These programs don’t just focus on technical know-how – they also address business skills. For example, Ampersand in Rwanda received support that included research and development for battery design, paired with business training to help expand its fleet and operations. Training modules often cover critical areas like financial planning, marketing strategies, regulatory compliance, and sustainability practices, ensuring that startups are prepared for long-term success.
Another standout initiative is the Drive Electric Campaign’s LEAP Fund, launched in November 2022. This fund awarded $1 million in grants to 10 organizations across Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Beneficiaries included Clean Technology Hub in Nigeria for e-mobility policy research, Clean Air Initiative Africa for outreach campaigns on two- and three-wheelers in Uganda, and WRI Africa for advancing electric multi-modal transportation in Kenya.
These capacity-building efforts align seamlessly with financial and infrastructure support, creating a strong foundation for a thriving EV ecosystem.
Promoting Gender and Social Inclusion
Inclusivity is another priority for NGOs working in the EV sector. For instance, EASVRM in Kenya has developed programs that empower female entrepreneurs by offering training and access to electric three-wheelers. This helps women vendors establish sustainable businesses while contributing to the EV ecosystem.
In Sierra Leone, NEEV Salone runs gender-inclusive training programs focused on EV maintenance and operations. These initiatives not only provide technical skills but also open doors for women to take on leadership roles in the growing EV industry.
The Sun Run project in Kenya takes this a step further by targeting women-led agricultural communities and small business owners. Alongside training on vehicle maintenance, the project uses a pay-as-you-go (PayGo) financing model to make upfront costs comparable to petrol-powered vehicles. This approach makes electric mobility more accessible to underserved communities.
In addition, Mobile Power in Sierra Leone collaborates with the Ministry of Youth Affairs to create youth empowerment initiatives. These programs focus on building technical skills for solar-powered battery-swap hubs, creating employment opportunities for young people while supporting the growth of the EV sector.
Knowledge and Resource Sharing
NGOs are also driving progress by facilitating knowledge exchange through workshops, case studies, and digital platforms. These efforts enrich the EV ecosystem by providing startups with critical insights, including market research, consumer demand analyses, regulatory updates, and examples of successful business models.
For instance, the Clean Technology Hub in Nigeria conducts in-depth research on e-mobility policies and market trends, sharing findings through reports and policy briefs. This information is especially valuable for entrepreneurs navigating regulatory landscapes and for financial institutions unfamiliar with the EV sector.
| Knowledge Sharing Initiative | Focus Area | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Clean Technology Hub Nigeria | Policy research and market analysis | Regulatory guidance for startups |
| SOLUTIONSplus networks | Technical training and resource sharing | Cross-border knowledge exchange |
| LEAP Fund recipients | Learning networks and research dissemination | $1 million distributed to 10 organizations |
The Drive Electric Campaign’s LEAP Fund also supports learning networks and research dissemination, offering entrepreneurs access to technical guides, best practice toolkits, and market insights. These resources help startups tackle the complexities of scaling their businesses across diverse African markets.
NGOs further strengthen the ecosystem by organizing stakeholder forums and demonstration projects. These events bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers, fostering knowledge transfer and partnerships that often lead to new funding opportunities. Lessons learned in one market can be adapted to others, accelerating the development of electric mobility across the continent.
For startups looking to expand their reach, platforms like EV24.africa complement these efforts. By offering transparent pricing, detailed vehicle listings, and financing options across 54 African countries, this marketplace helps businesses connect with broader audiences while facilitating knowledge exchange.
All of these initiatives are crucial for building a skilled workforce and creating the knowledge networks needed to ensure the EV sector thrives in Africa for years to come.
Conclusion: The Impact of NGOs on EV Startups in Africa
NGOs are playing a key role in reshaping Africa’s electric vehicle (EV) landscape, turning what was once a fragmented startup scene into a growing ecosystem. While Africa currently accounts for less than 1% of global EV adoption, the efforts of NGOs are helping accelerate change.
Their contributions go far beyond just financial support. NGOs are connecting startups with private investors and introducing creative financing solutions, like battery securitization, to make EV ownership more attainable. These strategies are helping to break down barriers and expand access to electric mobility.
Infrastructure development has also seen major progress thanks to NGO-backed initiatives. For instance, solar-powered charging stations are being established in rural areas, bringing sustainable energy solutions to previously underserved regions.
On the regulatory front, NGOs have tackled challenges that once held startups back. Through coordinated advocacy, organizations like Clean Technology Hub in Nigeria have influenced tariff reforms and contributed to the creation of legal frameworks that support the industry’s growth.
Looking to the future, continued NGO involvement is essential for the sector’s growth. By fostering partnerships, building local expertise, and advocating for inclusive financing and supportive policies, these organizations are paving the way for increased EV adoption. Their efforts are not just about cleaner air but also about empowering local economies and creating a more sustainable transportation network.
Digital platforms are also adding momentum to this shift. Platforms like EV24.africa are simplifying the process by offering transparent pricing, flexible financing options, and reliable delivery services across all 54 African countries. These tools complement the groundwork laid by NGOs, making the transition to sustainable transportation even more achievable.
In short, NGOs are transforming Africa’s EV sector, opening up new possibilities for clean, sustainable mobility across the continent. Their work is laying the foundation for a greener future and a thriving EV ecosystem.
FAQs
How do NGOs help EV startups in Africa overcome financial challenges?
NGOs play an important role in helping electric vehicle (EV) startups in Africa tackle financial and operational hurdles. They often offer financial support through grants, low-interest loans, or seed funding, giving startups the resources they need to grow and introduce new solutions to the market. Beyond funding, NGOs team up with governments and private companies to spearhead infrastructure projects, like building charging networks, which are critical for increasing EV adoption.
Another area where NGOs make an impact is policy advocacy. They work to shape regulations and policies that encourage sustainable transportation, making it easier for EV startups to succeed. By building partnerships and creating a collaborative environment, NGOs help break down obstacles and speed up the development of Africa’s EV industry.
How are NGOs helping to expand EV infrastructure in rural Africa?
NGOs are stepping up to support the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in rural Africa by tackling critical infrastructure challenges. They work hand-in-hand with local governments and private organizations to set up charging stations in remote areas, ensuring EV users have dependable access to power. Many of these initiatives incorporate renewable energy, such as solar-powered charging hubs, to create solutions that are both practical and environmentally friendly.
Beyond building infrastructure, NGOs push for policies that promote EV adoption and back startups developing creative EV technologies. By forming partnerships and providing technical expertise, they help close the gap between urban and rural regions, making EVs a more realistic option for communities throughout Africa.
How do NGOs help make electric vehicles more accessible in Africa?
NGOs play an important role in boosting the growth of electric vehicle (EV) startups in Africa by tackling some of the industry’s biggest hurdles. One of their key contributions is funding, which allows startups to expand their operations, conduct research, and create solutions specifically designed to meet local demands.
Beyond funding, NGOs are instrumental in infrastructure development. By partnering with governments and private companies, they help establish critical facilities like charging networks, ensuring the continent is better equipped to support widespread EV adoption.
NGOs also focus on policy advocacy, pushing for legislative changes that encourage EV use. From lobbying for tax breaks to promoting subsidies, these efforts aim to lower the cost of EV adoption. By shaping policies that benefit both businesses and consumers, NGOs help pave the way for electric vehicles to become a practical and attractive choice across Africa.
