- Africa’s e-mobility transition is gaining pace as experts outline strategies for a cleaner and more intelligent transportation system.
- Innovation and collaboration continue to shape Africa’s e-mobility transition and sustainable energy ambitions.
Experts in new energy vehicles, industry leaders, and academics have gathered in Gqeberha for the third annual uYilo e-Mobility Summit, a major event shaping Africa’s e-mobility transition.
Hosted by the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI) in collaboration with the uYilo e-Mobility Programme at Nelson Mandela University, the summit will take place from October 28 to 30, 2025. The gathering highlights Africa’s growing commitment to cleaner transport systems and reduced carbon emissions.
According to Mbangiseni Mabudafhasi, Deputy Director for Power at the DSTI, decarbonising transport has become both urgent and necessary. He explained that while internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles still dominate, their global market share is expected to decline sharply after 2035 in developed economies. This trend, he noted, presents a clear opportunity for the growth of electric vehicles (EVs) across the African continent.
South Africa’s automotive industry remains a cornerstone of the national economy. It contributes approximately 5.2% to the GDP and provides over 600,000 jobs across the entire value chain. Nevertheless, Mabudafhasi stressed that the sector must adapt quickly to global shifts towards low-carbon transport. He proposed a dual-track strategy, reducing emissions from existing ICE vehicles while expanding EV and hybrid production.
In his remarks, Gareth Burley, Chief Executive Officer of Microcare Solar Energy, emphasised that Africa’s e-mobility transition must be built on local realities. He argued that “African innovations must solve African problems.”
Therefore, countries must design technologies that suit their unique social and infrastructural needs. Burley warned that continued reliance on imported chargers and software could lead to job losses and technological dependency. Instead, he called for greater localisation of key technologies such as chargers and power electronics, creating fresh opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Microcare’s DC-DC Solar EV Charger illustrates this local innovation. It draws solar power directly from photovoltaic panels, providing reliable off-grid charging. As a result, it supports remote and underserved communities. Burley also noted that real progress depends on collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector. He insisted that research should guide regulation, and innovation must serve the needs of communities.
Similarly, Zakariae Ouachakradi of Morocco’s Green Energy Park highlighted the importance of local research and harmonised standards. He explained that Morocco’s government-led approach ensures alignment between policy, technology, and sustainability. However, he cautioned that without continental cooperation, Africa risks creating fragmented EV systems that hinder integration.
Ultimately, the summit stressed that Africa’s electric future relies on innovation, policy alignment, and skilled human capital. With unity, creativity, and strategic partnerships, the continent can lead its own clean transport revolution.