The AIS nations of Seychelles and Mauritius have been ranked first and third overall in EV readiness by a new research titled Mapping Africa’s EV Readiness:
https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adr1055 . The African continent EV ecosystem is still very nascent with knowledge about the EV markets and pathways remaining mostly unchanged with industry mainstream discussions largely overlooking the developing EV readiness and industry in the continent. Research analysis revealed Seychelles and Mauritius, ranked first and third overall in EV readiness, respectively, are rarely mentioned despite strong pro-EV policies, robust infrastructure, and favorable market fundamentals.
The analysis provides three key recommendations for African policymakers and development partners. First, EVs can drive diverse positive impacts across the continent, supporting the case for pro-EV policies. Key focus areas in the short term are enabling policies, grid infrastructure development, and power sector improvements. Investing in grid infrastructure is especially valuable, as it supports broader economic growth beyond just EVs.
Second, strengthening EV market fundamentals is crucial. Low motorization rates in Africa reflect low incomes and suppressed demand, limiting EV market growth. Addressing broader economic issues—such as poverty, job creation, income increases, and financial inclusion—is essential for boosting EV uptake. Given the uncertainty in EV deployment models, large-scale investment in charging infrastructure may be premature. Instead, supporting public- and private- sector experiments—like fleet electrification pilots and EV startups—will be more effective in the early stages of this transition.
Lastly, enhancing data quality and expanding sector research are vital. We need more detailed country-level market data and refined methodologies. This presents opportunities for collaboration among African governments, development funders, international organizations, industry, and researchers.
As we enter a transformative era in transportation, strengthening Africa’s EV data and analysis is crucial for guiding actions by government, industry, and investors. Lacking this, Africa risks missing out on the substantial economic, environmental, and social gains promised by the global EV revolution.
Tabenyang Etchu