Energy security, electrification, grid infrastructure and sustainable transport take centre stage at COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, as the climate conference devotes a full day to energy and transport. Africa enters that conversation with a plan of its own: the African Union’s (AU) Continental Framework on Electric Mobility (eMobility).
Transport and energy ministers from across the continent adopted the framework in April 2026, led by AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy Lerato Mataboge. Titled “Strategic Directions for the Development of Electric Vehicles in Africa,” it was prepared by the African Union Commission with the United Nations Environment Programme and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
Hiten Parmar, Executive Director of The Electric Mission, says the framework “links the governance of mineral resources to local value addition and promotes industrial development.”
Africa produces about 3.8 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions, yet it is one of the regions most exposed to climate change. Transport produces about 12 percent of the continent’s greenhouse gas emissions. In 2022, African countries, excluding Nigeria and Angola, spent USD15.3 billion on petroleum imports, and the framework sees electric transport as a pathway to decrease that bill and improve energy security.
The continent also holds about 60 percent of the world’s solar potential and is rich in lithium, nickel, manganese and graphite, yet it captures less than five percent of the value in the global battery value chain. The framework calls for investment in mineral processing, regional battery hubs and value addition in each country, so that more of this value stays on the continent.
It sets out 10 strategic directions, covering local manufacturing and regional value chains, charging infrastructure and grid readiness, finance and incentives, skills and research, regional cooperation, common standards, used electric vehicle imports, battery recycling, zero emission targets, a just transition with gender equity, and good governance.
Hiten says the framework “identifies commercial fleets, such as minibuses, buses, and motorcycles, as the strongest business case in the near term.” He adds: “These vehicles travel long distances every day, so lower running costs give fast returns.” Governments are also asked to electrify public transport and government fleets, which he says, “creates early demand for electric vehicles and shows leadership from the public sector.”
In Rwanda, electric motorcycles that use solar powered battery swapping cut operating costs by about 30 percent. In Morocco, the Tanger Automotive special economic zone decreased the cost of electric vehicle components by about 20 percent through manufacturing that uses renewable energy.
The framework names South Africa as a leader in vehicle manufacturing, Morocco as a leader in components and East Africa as a hub for two wheelers and three wheelers. Under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), common tariffs and standard charging plugs can link these strengths into regional value chains.
The framework aligns with Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. For Africa, the move to electric transport is a chance to build industries, create jobs, manage dependence on imported fuel bills and give people cleaner air.
South Africa continues to face persistent technical skills shortages, and Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has now reopened the training hub where it develops artisans and technical specialists. The Toyota Academy Learning for Africa (TALA) returns after a significant renovations investment.
As electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles become more common in South Africa, dealerships and workshops face new safety challenges. In this article, sponsored by Bright Focus, we look at complete scenario surrounding the damaged high-voltage battery packs can present and the solution.
It is now 60 years since the first Toyota Corolla arrived in South Africa in 1966. Toyota is marking the anniversary with special editions of the Corolla Hatchback, Corolla Sedan and Corolla Cross, each with distinctive styling and commemorative details. The nameplate has grown from a compact family sedan into a range of hatchbacks, lift backs, coupés, performance models, MPVs and SUVs.
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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
As electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles become more common in South Africa, dealerships and workshops face new safety challenges. In this article, sponsored by Bright Focus, we look at complete scenario surrounding the damaged high-voltage battery packs can present and the solution.
iCAUR is adding a large all-wheel drive SUV to its local range in the fourth quarter, with 335 kW and a claimed combined range of up to 1 000 km.
India, the largest source of passenger vehicle imports for South Africa, has finalised its fuel efficiency standards for passenger vehicles.
