Across the continent, a quiet revolution is accelerating. African nations are increasingly turning to electric vehicles (EVs) and solar power, a powerful duo that promises to reshape transportation, energy, and economic landscapes. This shift is driven by a combination of forward-thinking policies, falling technology costs, and the urgent need for sustainable solutions.

Leading the Charge: Key Countries in the EV Revolution

While the transition is continental, several nations are emerging as clear frontrunners in the race to adopt electric mobility.

South Africa remains the continent’s automotive hub, leading with local EV manufacturing and the most developed charging infrastructure. Meanwhile, Ethiopia has achieved a remarkable milestone, with over 60% of all new vehicle sales now being electric, a surge powered by government policies that restrict fossil fuel vehicle imports and slash import duties for EVs.

In East Africa, Kenya is experiencing rapid growth, particularly in the electric two and three-wheeler sector, supported by government incentives like zero import duty. Rwanda continues to reinforce its image as an innovation-friendly nation with tax holidays and incentives designed to attract electric mobility investments.

West Africa is also joining the movement. Ghana is stimulating its market with a zero-tariff window for EV imports, encouraging global automakers to set up local assembly plants. In North Africa, Morocco is positioning itself as a future manufacturing powerhouse, with plans for major players like Tesla to establish production facilities and localize battery supply chains.

Powering the Future: The Parallel Surge in Solar Energy

You can’t drive an electric car with a dirty grid, and Africa is addressing this head-on with a massive solar boom. The continent’s solar market is projected to grow by a staggering 42% in 2025. From 2025 to 2028, Africa is expected to install an additional 23 GW of solar capacity, more than doubling its current installations.

This growth is also becoming more inclusive. This year, only two African countries are expected to install over 100 MW of new solar capacity. By next year, that number is projected to jump to 18 nations, indicating a widespread and decentralized energy transition.

The Economic Engine: Market Value and Projections

The numbers behind this green transition are compelling. The African electric vehicle market is projected to reach a revenue of US$263.1 million in 2025. This growth trajectory is expected to continue at a robust annual rate, pushing the market value to an estimated US$395.0 million by 2030.

Top Companies Shaping Africa’s Electric Roads

The African EV marketplace is becoming increasingly diverse, featuring everything from affordable city cars to premium models. Global leader Tesla is making inroads with its high-performance models like the Model 3, while Chinese automaker BYD is gaining significant traction with efficient and compact cars like the BYD Dolphin.

Other key players include GWM Ora with its stylish Ora 03, and established European brands like Volkswagen (ID.4), Mercedes-Benz (EQB), and BMW (iX3), which are bringing their luxury electric SUVs to the market. The presence of more affordable brands like Dayun and Dongfeng also highlights the growing demand for accessible electric urban mobility.

Driving Forward

The synergy between electric vehicles and solar power in Africa is more than just a trend; it’s a strategic evolution. By harnessing its abundant sunshine to power a new generation of transport, the continent is not just following a global movement—it is paving its own unique path towards a cleaner, more independent, and economically dynamic future.