On 10 December 2025 in Beijing, Development Reimagined (DR), in partnership with the Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in China, successfully co-hosted the Green Investment Dialogue: Accelerating E-Mobility for Climate Action in East Africa. The event brought together 36 participants from African embassies, Chinese enterprises, academia, NGOs, and industrial associations to explore how electric mobility can drive climate action, green industrialization, and job creation across East Africa.
Climate Policy Leadership in East Africa
H.E. Ambassador Tefera Derbew Yimam outlined Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative and green mobility strategy, highlighting the country’s ambitious target of deploying 500,000 electric vehicles by 2030. He emphasized Ethiopia’s vast investment potential across agriculture, manufacturing, mining, ICT, and emerging green sectors, underpinned by strong political commitment and renewable energy resources.
H.E. Mr. James Kimonyo, Ambassador of Rwanda, shared Rwanda’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 38% by 2030, noting the country’s progress in expanding electricity access and implementing progressive policies to promote e-mobility, including the elimination of import duties on electric vehicles and charging equipment, as well as incentives for local assembly and manufacturing.
H.E. Ms. Lynette Mwende Ndile, Deputy Head of Mission of Embassy of Kenya, emphasized Kenya’s vision for zero-emission transport as a cornerstone of its sustainable development agenda. She highlighted Kenya’s clean and reliable renewable-powered electricity grid and growing deployment of electric motorcycles and vehicles.
Unlocking Investment Opportunities in E-Mobility
Investment promotion presentations from the Embassies of Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Kenya highlighted concrete opportunities in EV assembly and manufacturing, charging infrastructure, battery production, and value-chain development, supported by policy incentives such as tax reductions, special economic zones, industrial parks, and investor protection frameworks.
Speakers also acknowledged shared challenges, including limited charging infrastructure, skills gaps, affordability constraints, and spare parts availability. Ongoing efforts – including vocational training, public–private partnerships between Chinese and African stakeholders, and enhanced international cooperation – were highlighted as key pathways to addressing these barriers.
Field Insights and Market Realities
Ms. Wu Yunong, Climate Action Specialist at Development Reimagined, shared insights from recent field visits to Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Kenya. She highlighted Ethiopia’s strong potential for joint ventures in assembly, manufacturing, and battery production; Rwanda’s innovative focus on two- and three-wheelers supported by battery-swapping systems; and Kenya’s growing opportunities in local assembly, technology transfer, and digital and payment platforms to support e-mobility ecosystems.
Roundtable Discussions: From Strategy to Implementation
Two roundtable discussions brought together ambassadors and Chinese enterprise representatives to explore practical pathways for investment. Discussions emphasized:
- The importance of local value creation, joint ventures, and reliable local partnerships
- The urgent need for capacity-building and skilled labor development
- Opportunities in battery manufacturing, recycling, and circular economy models
- Innovative financing models, including leasing models supported by Chinese financial institutions
- The role of off-grid and grid-based renewable energy solutions in powering e-mobility, particularly in rural areas
Chinese enterprise representatives also stressed the need for market customization, robust due diligence, strong government engagement, and risk management when entering African markets.
Looking Ahead
The Green Investment Dialogue reaffirmed East Africa’s leadership in advancing climate-aligned transport solutions and highlighted the growing role Chinese enterprises can play through sustainable investment, technology transfer, and industrial cooperation. By strengthening partnerships across Ethiopia, Kenya, and Rwanda, the event helped build momentum toward a greener, more resilient, and inclusive mobility future for East Africa.
Building on this Dialogue, Development Reimagined will prioritise organising an on-the-ground investment roadshow to Africa in 2026, aimed at connecting Chinese enterprises directly with African partners and translating policy dialogue into concrete green investment outcomes.
Date Published: December 31, 2025
