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Cities like Nairobi and Johannesburg, once bound by the volatility of global oil markets, are reimagining their transport systems for a new energy future. This shift is not merely a response to the recent oil shocks but represents a strategic pivot towards reducing dependence on imported oil and enhancing regional sustainability. Public transport, the lifeline of daily mobility for millions, has emerged as a focal point of this transition.
Across the continent, buses, the backbone of public transit, account for roughly 40% of passenger journeys. Yet, their reliance on diesel, driven by a fragmented and largely private-sector-driven system, has left these systems vulnerable to the whims of global oil prices. Recent reforms have laid bare the financial strain, with diesel prices soaring in East Africa by as much as 80% in recent years.
This has compressed the margins of bus operators and increased the pressure on government foreign exchange reserves, as billions are spent annually on fuel imports.
However, this vulnerability has also revealed a viable alternative. Kenya, for instance, boasts over 90% of its electricity generation from renewable sources, including geothermal and hydropower. This abundance of renewable energy, particularly during off-peak hours, presents an opportunity to electrify public transport on a domestic, renewable base.
Electric buses are stepping into the fray as the most immediate and scalable solution. Each vehicle can displace approximately 20,000 litres of diesel annually, reducing reliance on imported fuel and lowering costs for operators and commuters alike.
The introduction of time — of-use tariffs for e-mobility has further driven down the cost of “fuel, “making electric buses a more viable option without subsidies. This transition is not without its challenges.
The high upfront investment required for electric buses has historically been a barrier.
However, innovative financing models, such as pay — as-you-drive structures, are now separating the cost of the battery from the vehicle itself, aligning costs with daily cash flow and making electric buses accessible to small operators.
The shift to electric public transport is more than an economic move; it is an energy strategy. It reduces exposure to global oil markets, eases pressure on foreign exchange reserves, and improves urban air quality by eliminating tailpipe emissions, a significant source of pollution in African cities. Policy is beginning to align with this reality.
Kenya and Rwanda have introduced incentives for electric buses and batteries under their respective National Electric Mobility Policies. South Africa, with its abundant platinum reserves, is also advancing an electric vehicle strategy, aiming to become a producer of clean transport solutions.
The integration of renewable energy into power grids and infrastructure planning will be crucial as electric mobility grows. Africa’s push for electric mobility is not just reshaping the continent’s transportation landscape but is also setting global sustainable transport trends, highlighting the continent’s potential to lead in this emerging sector.
In conclusion, the shift towards electric mobility in African cities is a testament to the continent’s resilience and adaptability. While challenges remain, the potential benefits offer a pathway to a more secure and sustainable future for Africa.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: africa
Source: SG Editor
