Eco-Friendly Transit: China's Role in Electrifying Rwanda's Transportation System
Sustainable Wheels: Exploring China's Role in Advancing Electric Transport in Rwanda
TroibNews 
As Rwanda speeds up its green transition, electric motorbikes and buses are revolutionizing its transportation landscape. With support from Chinese technology and infrastructure, the country is positioning itself as a leader in Africa's move towards sustainable transportation. In anticipation of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit, the partnership between China and Rwanda is strengthening, highlighting how the investment in green development is being driven by the needs of the African continent.
**Electric Motorbikes: Rwanda's Clean Mobility Initiative**
Rwanda is at the forefront of Africa's green mobility initiative, particularly with the swift adoption of electric motorbikes. The challenging hills of Kigali, combined with a rising urban population, have made electric motorcycles a favored choice among motorcycle taxi operators. These electric motorbikes emit 83 percent less carbon than their petrol-driven counterparts, marking significant progress in Rwanda's aspirations for green transportation.
China has played a crucial role in this evolution. More than 70 percent of Rwanda’s national highways are developed by Chinese companies, such as the China Road and Bridge Corporation. The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation has improved the efficiency of operations for the nation’s 26,000 registered motor taxis. The Rwandan electric motorbike startup Ampersand has rolled out over 500 electric motorcycles, bolstered by battery swap stations linked to Rwanda’s hydropower grid, much of which incorporates Chinese technology. “Rwanda is our home and the perfect launchpad for East Africa's electric mobility,” stated Josh Whale, CEO of Ampersand.
**Electric Buses: Sustainable Public Transportation from China**
Rwanda is also enhancing its public transport system with electric buses. In early 2024, BasiGo introduced its electric bus fleet in Kigali, all manufactured in China. These buses are capable of traveling 300 kilometers on a single charge, offering an efficient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional diesel buses.
The success of BasiGo, backed by cutting-edge Chinese battery technology, has prompted the order of an additional 132 buses by Rwanda. “The enthusiasm for electric buses is growing rapidly,” commented Doreen Orishaba, managing director of BasiGo. Each electric bus deployed enables Rwanda to offset 30 tonnes of CO2 emissions, underscoring the impact of China-Africa collaboration in addressing climate change.
“China is more advanced in environmentally friendly technologies, and we look forward to attracting more Chinese investments in green projects,” remarked Faustin Munyazikwiye, deputy director general of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority. He added, “By partnering with China, we can share best practices in green technology, reduce carbon emissions, and support environmental sustainability.” Munyazikwiye emphasized Rwanda’s commitment to environmental preservation while fostering economic growth through clean energy and sustainable practices.
**The Bedrock of China-Africa Green Partnership**
Despite Western critiques labeling China's involvement in Africa as “neocolonialism,” Hannah Ryder, former deputy country director of the United Nations Development Programme, argued, “a defining feature of cooperation with China is that African needs drive it.” Rwanda's requirements for green infrastructure and sustainable solutions are guiding these investments, illustrating a partnership founded on mutual objectives.
James Kimonyo, the Rwandan Ambassador to China, highlighted that China's model for green growth serves as an inspiration for African nations. “China's leadership consistently talks about shared prosperity, and it's clear that their support for Rwanda's green transition comes from this philosophy,” Kimonyo expressed. “China's high-quality development, focused on accelerated green growth, offers positive lessons for countries like ours.”
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has stressed the significance of green development for Rwanda's future, noting that China's ongoing support is vital in this endeavor. As the collaboration between China and Rwanda deepens, the transformation of Rwanda's transport sector sets a benchmark for how other African countries can achieve sustainable modernization.
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
**Electric Motorbikes: Rwanda's Clean Mobility Initiative**
Rwanda is at the forefront of Africa's green mobility initiative, particularly with the swift adoption of electric motorbikes. The challenging hills of Kigali, combined with a rising urban population, have made electric motorcycles a favored choice among motorcycle taxi operators. These electric motorbikes emit 83 percent less carbon than their petrol-driven counterparts, marking significant progress in Rwanda's aspirations for green transportation.
China has played a crucial role in this evolution. More than 70 percent of Rwanda’s national highways are developed by Chinese companies, such as the China Road and Bridge Corporation. The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation has improved the efficiency of operations for the nation’s 26,000 registered motor taxis. The Rwandan electric motorbike startup Ampersand has rolled out over 500 electric motorcycles, bolstered by battery swap stations linked to Rwanda’s hydropower grid, much of which incorporates Chinese technology. “Rwanda is our home and the perfect launchpad for East Africa's electric mobility,” stated Josh Whale, CEO of Ampersand.
**Electric Buses: Sustainable Public Transportation from China**
Rwanda is also enhancing its public transport system with electric buses. In early 2024, BasiGo introduced its electric bus fleet in Kigali, all manufactured in China. These buses are capable of traveling 300 kilometers on a single charge, offering an efficient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional diesel buses.
The success of BasiGo, backed by cutting-edge Chinese battery technology, has prompted the order of an additional 132 buses by Rwanda. “The enthusiasm for electric buses is growing rapidly,” commented Doreen Orishaba, managing director of BasiGo. Each electric bus deployed enables Rwanda to offset 30 tonnes of CO2 emissions, underscoring the impact of China-Africa collaboration in addressing climate change.
“China is more advanced in environmentally friendly technologies, and we look forward to attracting more Chinese investments in green projects,” remarked Faustin Munyazikwiye, deputy director general of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority. He added, “By partnering with China, we can share best practices in green technology, reduce carbon emissions, and support environmental sustainability.” Munyazikwiye emphasized Rwanda’s commitment to environmental preservation while fostering economic growth through clean energy and sustainable practices.
**The Bedrock of China-Africa Green Partnership**
Despite Western critiques labeling China's involvement in Africa as “neocolonialism,” Hannah Ryder, former deputy country director of the United Nations Development Programme, argued, “a defining feature of cooperation with China is that African needs drive it.” Rwanda's requirements for green infrastructure and sustainable solutions are guiding these investments, illustrating a partnership founded on mutual objectives.
James Kimonyo, the Rwandan Ambassador to China, highlighted that China's model for green growth serves as an inspiration for African nations. “China's leadership consistently talks about shared prosperity, and it's clear that their support for Rwanda's green transition comes from this philosophy,” Kimonyo expressed. “China's high-quality development, focused on accelerated green growth, offers positive lessons for countries like ours.”
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has stressed the significance of green development for Rwanda's future, noting that China's ongoing support is vital in this endeavor. As the collaboration between China and Rwanda deepens, the transformation of Rwanda's transport sector sets a benchmark for how other African countries can achieve sustainable modernization.
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
