The Africa E-Mobility Week & Forum 2026 (AEWF2026) brought together governments, international organizations, business, finance, academia, and civil society to discuss the African E-Mobility Strategy. The forum, jointly organized by the African Union Commission, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and the Africa E-Mobility Alliance, aimed to accelerate the transition to electric mobility. Participants emphasized the need for urgent action to address Africa's climate, health, and economic needs.
Yohannes Hailu, Officer-in-Charge of ECA's Connectivity and Infrastructure Development Section, highlighted the benefits of transitioning to electric mobility, including reduced dependence on imported fossil fuels, improved air quality and energy security, stimulated innovation, and increased local value addition from Africa's critical minerals. He outlined four immediate priorities for the transition: local manufacturing and regional EV value chains, charging infrastructure and energy readiness, finance and incentives, and skills, awareness, innovation, and research.
Participants noted that although electric mobility is gaining momentum and continental and regional frameworks are emerging, progress remains slow. The forum called for accelerated investment, industrialization, innovation, and regional cooperation to strengthen energy security, sustainable transport, industrialization, and local value addition. African countries and regional institutions must move urgently from policy commitments to coordinated implementation.
The Africa Electric Mobility Forum 2026 discussed the importance of local manufacturing and regional EV value chains. Participants emphasized the need for African countries to develop their own electric vehicle manufacturing industries and create regional value chains to reduce dependence on imports. This would also create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
The forum also highlighted the need for charging infrastructure and energy readiness. Participants stressed that the development of charging infrastructure is crucial to support the growth of electric mobility in Africa. They also emphasized the need for energy readiness, including the development of renewable energy sources to power electric vehicles.
Finance and incentives were also key topics of discussion at the forum. Participants noted that access to finance is a major barrier to the adoption of electric mobility in Africa. They called for governments and international organizations to provide incentives and financing mechanisms to support the transition to electric mobility.
The Africa Electric Mobility Forum 2026 concluded with a call to action for African countries and regional institutions to work together to accelerate the transition to electric mobility. Participants emphasized the need for coordinated implementation of policies and strategies to support the growth of electric mobility in Africa.
Key points
- The Africa Electric Mobility Forum 2026 calls for accelerated investment, industrialization, innovation, and regional cooperation to strengthen energy security and sustainable transport in Africa.
