Environmental Impact of E-Mobility in the Lake Victoria Region: New study examines potential of environmental benefits

Mobility plays a key role for economic development in Africa by providing access to basic services such as education, health, and employment. Introducing electric mobility for productive use is an opportunity to create jobs and fight poverty while supporting a clean environment. At Siemens Stiftung, we consider a reliable set of underlying data to be crucial for the long-term development of e-mobility in rural Sub-Saharan Africa. Through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), we have received financial support for studies that provide new data on the societal, environmental, and economic impact of e-mobility. The studies also provide information on business models, needs in vocational training, and charging infrastructure requirements.

The results of the study ‘Environmental Impact of E-Mobility in the Lake Victoria Region’ are now published. The study seeks to establish the potential of Greenhouse Gas abatement in addition to any other environmental benefits accruing from the adoption of e-mobility. This included a review of the policy landscape – highlighting existing policies that support the shift while offering insight on future policy considerations needed for sector growth – as well as an in-depth understanding of the impact of electric vehicles on energy demand. The latter follows a fleet assessment of conventional two and three-wheelers in addition to outboard engines for fishing boats. An assessment of carbon trade through government CO2 compensation instruments and voluntary mechanisms also contributed to the findings of the study.

The findings have led to three fundamental recommendations:

1. Supporting policies are crucial for creating an enabling environment for the electric vehicle market.
2. Creating a charging infrastructure presents opportunities for mini-grid developers to set-up charging stations within areas for operation.
3. Strong cross-sector coordination is necessary to advance the e-mobility sector.

The study was commissioned by Siemens Stiftung, implemented by EED Advisory, and supported by WeTu. In collaboration with its local implementation partner, WeTu, Siemens Stiftung has worked on the proof of concept for e-mobility technology solutions by focusing on charging infrastructure and innovative business models in the Western Region of Kenya, focusing specifically on Migori, Siaya and Homa Bay counties. Additional studies will be published in the coming months thanks to continuing financial support from German Development Cooperation.

Siemens Stiftung aims to accelerate the development of the e-mobility sector by supporting access to finance, operative testing, and data sharing. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the foundation is pursuing a better supply situation, improved climate protection, economic and social development, and secure jobs and incomes through its e-mobility program.