The government of Angola has initiated the ONDJILA GREEN programme, a comprehensive plan to revolutionize the country's public transport system with electric buses. The programme, which was launched through a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Transport, the Sovereign Fund of Angola, and OPAIA Motors, aims to deploy at least 1,000 electric buses and establish 2,000 charging points across the country. This ambitious project is expected to create a structured framework for electric mobility development in Angola.
The ONDJILA GREEN programme is one of the most significant public transport commitments on the African continent. The first phase of the programme will focus on establishing 240 charging stations, which will provide the operational base for the initial fleet deployment. The programme's success will depend on various factors, including a reliable power supply, charging infrastructure, specialized maintenance, and trained technicians. Investors will assess the entire transport ecosystem, rather than just the fleet in isolation.
OPAIA Motors, a key player in the memorandum, is expected to support local assembly and technical capability development as the programme scales. The company's precise manufacturing obligations will be published in the future, clarifying the domestic industrial opportunity. The financing structure of the programme is a crucial commercial variable, with options including public funding, sovereign capital, private investment, or blended finance, each carrying different risk profiles.
The phased rollout of the ONDJILA GREEN programme gives policymakers room to test demand and performance before committing to full national expansion. Angola's programme aligns with a broader continental shift toward electric public transport, as governments across Africa replace ageing diesel fleets amid rapid urbanization. The country's transport policy environment is supportive, with the 2nd Angola Hub Transporte e Logística Summit held in Luanda in September 2026, signaling growing institutional focus on modernizing logistics and mobility sectors.
The investment case for ONDJILA GREEN extends beyond vehicle procurement, encompassing the entire transport ecosystem. Power availability will shape route planning, charging schedules, and operating costs, while maintenance capacity is equally crucial. Electric drivetrains depend on batteries, motors, power electronics, and onboard control systems, all of which demand technical expertise that must be built locally.
The credibility of the ONDJILA GREEN programme will rest on two key disclosures: a credible power plan and a bankable financing structure. Investors and policymakers will watch for procurement documents, technical studies, and project finance terms as the next concrete indicators of delivery pace. Moody's affirmed Angola's B3 sovereign rating and revised its outlook to positive in September 2026, improving the risk backdrop for infrastructure investors considering long-tenor commitments in the country.
The ONDJILA GREEN programme targets a fleet of at least 1,000 electric buses and 2,000 charging points nationwide, marking a significant step toward transforming Angola's public transport system. With its ambitious goals and supportive policy environment, the programme is poised to make a substantial impact on the country's mobility sector. As the programme progresses, stakeholders will closely monitor its development, including the financing structure, technical capabilities, and power plan.
Key points
- Angola plans to deploy at least 1,000 electric buses nationwide under the ONDJILA GREEN programme.
- The programme aims to establish 2,000 charging points across the country.
- OPAIA Motors will support local assembly and technical capability development as the programme scales.
