Starting January 2025, Rwanda will cease registering petrol-powered motorbikes for public transport in Kigali, restricting new registrations to electric motorcycles. This policy underscores the government’s commitment to sustainable transportation as part of its broader e-mobility strategy.
Jimmy Gasore, Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure, confirmed the decision, emphasizing the nation’s readiness for the transition. “We will not register petrol motorbikes for public transport in Kigali. Only electric ones will be permitted,” he said, adding that the policy leverages the city’s well-established e-motorbike infrastructure.
Gasore assured stakeholders that existing petrol motorbikes will not be impacted, allowing them to operate without interruption. “We foresee no negative economic impact,” he noted, explaining that the measure is designed to phase out petrol motorbikes gradually while discouraging their importation for public use.
Juliet Kabera, Director General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), highlighted the environmental benefits of the shift. “Electric motorbikes produce zero emissions and are cost-effective,” she said. Kabera referenced a pilot program in which petrol motorbikes were retrofitted with electric components, replacing engines, exhaust systems, and chains to align with green transportation goals.
Rwanda launched its e-mobility initiative in June 2021 in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. Kigali, where 20% of trips are made on petrol-fueled motorbike taxis, is a significant focus of these efforts.
According to a recent study, transitioning to electric motorbikes could save Rwanda Rwf9 billion annually by reducing reliance on imported fuel. Currently, the nation spends approximately Rwf23 billion on fuel imports, a figure that could drop to Rwf14 billion with increased use of domestically sourced electricity.
Rwanda’s Climate and Nature Finance Strategy (CNFS), launched in October 2024, aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 38% by 2030. The strategy includes tax incentives for green investments, subsidies for electric vehicles, and levies on high-emission vehicles.
In line with this, Rwanda has implemented zero import duties on electric and hybrid vehicles to encourage adoption. These measures are part of a long-term commitment to sustainable development, blending environmental protection with economic opportunity.
This bold policy places Rwanda at the forefront of Africa’s e-mobility revolution, setting a precedent for other nations to follow.