🌍 Where Is Africa on the Map of Green Mobility – And Where Does South Africa Stand?

The global automotive industry is undergoing its biggest transformation in over a century. Electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid systems, battery technology, and renewable-powered mobility are reshaping transportation across the world.

But where does Africa stand in this global shift?
And more specifically — where is South Africa positioned in the green mobility transition?

The Global Context: A Rapidly Changing Industry

Regions such as Europe, China, and the United States have accelerated EV adoption through:

• Strong government incentives

• Large-scale charging infrastructure

• Aggressive emissions regulations

• Local EV manufacturing

In some of these markets, electric vehicles already represent a significant share of new car sales. The direction is clear: the future of mobility is electric.

Africa: Emerging, Not Absent

Africa is not leading the EV revolution — but it is not standing still either.

Across the continent, promising developments are taking shape:

• Electric buses being deployed in Kenya

• National EV strategies emerging in Rwanda

• Investment in clean mobility manufacturing in Morocco

• Policy discussions and pilot projects in Egypt

Africa’s transition is slower due to:

• High EV import costs

• Limited charging infrastructure

• Grid reliability challenges

• Economic constraints

However, Africa also has unique advantages:

• Abundant solar energy potential

• A young and growing workforce

• The ability to “leapfrog” legacy systems and adopt cleaner technology faster

The continent is in its early adoption phase, which presents opportunity rather than disadvantage.

South Africa: The Continental Leader

Within Africa, South Africa is currently the most advanced EV market in Sub-Saharan Africa.

South Africa benefits from:

• A well-established automotive manufacturing sector

• Global manufacturers such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota operating locally

• Expanding charging infrastructure in major cities

• Growing policy alignment with international climate commitments

However, EVs still represent a small portion of total vehicle sales. Most electric vehicles currently available in the country fall within the premium segment, limiting mass adoption.

The Real Question: Are We Ready From a Skills Perspective?

While infrastructure and policy often dominate the discussion, one critical factor is frequently overlooked:

Technical skills readiness.

As global markets — particularly the European Union — shift rapidly toward electrified mobility, South Africa’s automotive sector must adapt to remain globally competitive.

This creates an urgent need for:

• EV diagnostics specialists

• High-voltage system technicians

• Hybrid vehicle service professionals

• Battery maintenance and safety experts

The transition to green mobility is not just about vehicles — it is about people.

A Defining Moment for Africa’s Automotive Workforce

Africa’s green mobility journey is still in its early stages. That means the technicians, engineers, and automotive professionals who upskill now will become pioneers in this transformation.

For South Africa to maintain its position as a leading automotive hub on the continent, investment in skills development is not optional — it is essential.

The green mobility shift is coming.
The only question is whether we prepare for it — or fall behind.

Image Credits & Sources

1. Amanuel Sileshi / Bloomberg – Electric two-wheelers assembled in Ethiopia.

2. EV Morocco – Neo Motors Dial-E electric vehicle launch.

3. Getty Images – Spiro e-bike servicing and battery-swapping operations.

4. ChrisnelSA – EV vehicle photographed at Kigali International Airport, Rwanda.

5. PlugShare – EV charging station at Menlyn Maine, Pretoria, Gauteng.