Sustainable wheels: How China is driving Rwanda's electric transport

As Rwanda accelerates its green transition, electric motorbikes and buses are reshaping its transport sector. Supported by Chinese technology and infrastructure, Rwanda is emerging as a leader in Africa's shift to sustainable transport. Ahead of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, the China-Rwanda partnership is deepening, exemplifying how African needs are driving investments in green development.

Rwanda is leading Africa's green mobility charge, especially with the rapid adoption of electric motorbikes. Known as the "land of a thousand hills," Kigali's challenging terrain and growing urban population have made e-motos ( electric motorbikes) a popular choice for moto-taxi (electric motorbike taxi) drivers. With electric motorbikes offering 83 percent lower carbon emissions than petrol-powered alternatives, Rwanda's green transport ambitions are starting to take shape.

China's contribution to this transformation has been critical. Over 70 percent of Rwanda's national highways are built by Chinese firms like the China Road and Bridge Corporation, and the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation has facilitated smoother and more efficient operations for the country's 26,000 registered moto-taxis. Rwanda's electric motorbike startup Ampersand has accelerated the deployment of over 500 e-motos, supported by battery swap stations powered by Rwanda's hydropower grid, much of which benefits from Chinese technology. “Rwanda is our home and the perfect launchpad for East Africa's electric mobility,” said Josh Whale, CEO of Ampersand.

Rwanda is also transforming its public transport with electric buses. Early 2024 saw the launch of BasiGo's electric bus fleet in Kigali, fully built in China. The buses can travel 300 kilometers on a single charge, providing an efficient, eco-friendly alternative to diesel buses.

BasiGo's success, supported by advanced Chinese battery technology, has led to 132 more buses being ordered by Rwanda. “The enthusiasm for electric buses is growing rapidly,” said Doreen Orishaba, managing director of BasiGo. For every electric bus deployed, Rwanda offsets 30 tonnes of CO2 emissions, a powerful testament to the effectiveness of China-Africa cooperation in tackling climate change.

“China is more advanced in environmentally friendly technologies, and we look forward to attracting more Chinese investments in green projects,” said Faustin Munyazikwiye, deputy director general of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority. “By partnering with China, we can share best practices in green technology, reduce carbon emissions, and support environmental sustainability,” Munyazikwiye emphasized that Rwanda is committed to preserving its environment while promoting economic development through the use of clean energy and sustainable practices.

While Western critics claim China's engagement in Africa resembles “neocolonialism,” Hannah Ryder, former deputy country director of the United Nations Development Programme, countered that “a defining feature of cooperation with China is that African needs drive it.” Rwanda's demands for green infrastructure and sustainability solutions are shaping these investments, reflecting a partnership built on shared goals.

Rwandan Ambassador to China, James Kimonyo, emphasized that China's green growth model inspires African countries. “China's leadership consistently talks about shared prosperity, and it's clear that their support for Rwanda's green transition comes from this philosophy,” Kimonyo said. “China's high-quality development, focused on accelerated green growth, offers positive lessons for countries like ours.”

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has emphasized the role of green development in Rwanda's future, and China's continued support is central to this effort. As China and Rwanda deepen their cooperation, the transformation of Rwanda's transport sector sets a precedent for how other African nations can pursue sustainable modernization.