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Nigeria and Kenya Pioneer EV Assembly in Africa

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. ria-and-kenya-pioneer-ev-assembly-in-africa.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 6:56 GMT by WTOP News
      Locales: KENYA, NIGERIA, CHINA

By Jason Gainous

LAGOS - Nigeria and Kenya are boldly stepping forward as pioneers of electric vehicle (EV) adoption in Africa, not through the costly import of fully assembled cars, but through an innovative strategy of assembling electric vans from complete knock-down (CKD) kits sourced from China. This approach is poised to not only accelerate the continent's transition to sustainable transport but also cultivate crucial local manufacturing capabilities and skilled employment.

The traditional barrier to widespread EV adoption in Africa has been - and remains - the prohibitively high cost of fully assembled vehicles. Import duties, shipping expenses, and the inherent price of the technology itself have placed EVs firmly out of reach for most individuals and businesses. The Nigerian and Kenyan initiatives, however, circumvent this problem by focusing on local assembly. CKD kits, containing all necessary components but requiring assembly at a local facility, significantly reduce upfront costs and logistical complexities.

"We can't afford to just import these vehicles," explains Chukwuma Okeke, a leading Nigerian entrepreneur deeply involved in the project. "It's unsustainable. We need to build our own capacity, create jobs for our people, and foster a local ecosystem around electric mobility. This isn't just about switching to cleaner transport; it's about economic empowerment."

The current focus is on electric vans, strategically chosen for their applicability to vital sectors such as last-mile delivery, public transportation (particularly within urban centres), and potentially, essential services like healthcare. Local companies in both Nigeria and Kenya are actively assembling these vans, demonstrating an impressive ability to adapt the Chinese kits to meet the specific demands of African roads and climatic conditions. This adaptation includes modifications to suspension systems to handle rough terrain, reinforcing chassis for increased durability, and adjusting cooling systems to cope with high temperatures.

Early pilot programs are already demonstrating promising results in cities like Lagos, Nairobi, and Kigali. The assembled vans are currently serving as delivery vehicles for e-commerce companies, operating as 'keke' replacements (three-wheeled auto-rickshaws) for shorter urban commutes, and even being trialed as school buses. Data gathered from these pilots is crucial for refining the assembly process, optimising vehicle performance, and gathering real-world operational insights.

Government support is playing a pivotal role in the success of these ventures. The Nigerian government has announced a series of incentives designed to encourage local EV manufacturing, including tax breaks, subsidies for research and development, and preferential procurement policies. Kenya, meanwhile, is heavily investing in the development of a nationwide charging infrastructure. This includes the installation of fast-charging stations in key urban areas and along major highways, as well as exploring renewable energy sources to power the grid - ensuring that the EVs truly deliver on their environmental promise.

"This is just the beginning," confidently states Kenyan Transport Minister James Kamau. "Our vision extends far beyond assembling vans. We envision a future where Africa is not just a consumer of electric vehicles, but a hub for electric vehicle manufacturing, innovation, and exports. We aim to become a regional leader in sustainable transport solutions."

The initiative has garnered significant praise from environmental advocacy groups. Aisha Mohammed, a prominent environmental activist based in Lagos, describes the project as a "fantastic example of how Africa can lead the way in sustainable development. It addresses both the urgent need to reduce air pollution in our cities and the broader challenge of combating climate change. It demonstrates that economic growth and environmental responsibility are not mutually exclusive."

However, challenges remain. Establishing a reliable supply chain for components beyond the initial CKD kits, training a skilled workforce capable of maintaining and repairing EVs, and ensuring access to affordable and reliable electricity are all critical hurdles that must be overcome. Furthermore, the long-term economic viability of the assembly plants hinges on achieving economies of scale and attracting sufficient demand to justify continued investment.

Despite these challenges, the momentum is undeniable. The success of the Nigerian and Kenyan initiatives is already inspiring interest from other African nations, including Ghana, Tanzania, and South Africa. A ripple effect is anticipated, as countries begin to explore similar locally-focused strategies for embracing electric mobility and building a more sustainable future. This move represents a significant shift in Africa's automotive landscape, potentially bypassing the traditional model of reliance on imported vehicles and forging a path toward a more self-reliant and environmentally responsible transportation sector.