Rwanda announced on Monday that it will cease registering petrol-driven motorbike taxis starting next year, as part of a national push towards electric mobility. Minister of Infrastructure Jimmy Gasore highlighted the move as a step toward “cleaner, more efficient energy” and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, where petrol-powered motorbike taxis are a primary mode of public transport.
The initiative will apply solely to new motorbike taxis in Kigali, while existing petrol-powered motorbikes will continue operations. To facilitate the transition, Rwanda has introduced subsidies for electrification, including affordable electricity for charging and tax breaks for battery producers.
With approximately 110,000 motorbikes nationwide—70,000 of which are used as taxis—the government aims to promote green transport alternatives. Eve Kayiranga, manager of e-bike vendor SAFI Universal Link, praised the new rule as “a significant step forward for a greener city,” underscoring Rwanda’s efforts to build supportive infrastructure for e-mobility.
Motorbike drivers have already begun to see benefits. Alfonse Mbarabuceye, a 32-year-old rider who transitioned to electric two years ago, reported a 50% increase in daily income due to reduced maintenance costs, as he now only needs to change the battery once or twice daily.
Rwanda’s latest policy represents a broader commitment to sustainable urban transport, with Kigali at the forefront of Africa’s green mobility initiatives.