As Rwanda ramps up its green transition, the country is becoming a leader in Africa’s shift toward sustainable transport, mainly by adopting electric motorbikes and buses. This transformation is heavily supported by Chinese technology and infrastructure, showcasing a solid partnership between China and Rwanda. As the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit approaches, this partnership highlights how African countries drive green development investments to meet their environmental goals.
Electric Motorbikes: Pioneering Clean Mobility in Rwanda
Rwanda is at the forefront of Africa’s green mobility movement, especially with the rapid uptake of electric motorbikes. Known as the “land of a thousand hills,” Rwanda’s challenging terrain and growing urban population have made electric motorbikes, or e-motos, an ideal choice for moto-taxi drivers. These electric vehicles emit 83% less carbon than their petrol-powered counterparts, significantly contributing to Rwanda’s environmental goals.
China has played a pivotal role in this green transformation. Chinese companies like the China Road and Bridge Corporation and the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation construct more than 70% of Rwanda’s national highways. This infrastructure development has been crucial in enhancing the efficiency of the country’s 26,000 registered moto-taxis, including the growing number of e-motos. Ampersand, a Rwandan electric motorbike startup, has already deployed over 500 e-motos, supported by a network of battery swap stations powered by Rwanda’s hydropower grid—much of which incorporates Chinese technology. Josh Whale, CEO of Ampersand, remarked, “Rwanda is our home and the perfect launchpad for East Africa’s electric mobility.”
Electric Buses: Transforming Public Transport with Chinese Innovation
In addition to electric motorbikes, Rwanda is revolutionising its public transport system with electric buses. In early 2024, Kigali saw the introduction of BasiGo’s electric bus fleet, which was entirely built in China. These buses can cover 300 kilometres on a single charge, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional diesel buses.
BasiGo’s success, underpinned by advanced Chinese battery technology, has led Rwanda to order an additional 132 buses. Doreen Orishaba, managing director of BasiGo, noted, “The enthusiasm for electric buses is proliferating.” Each electric bus deployed helps Rwanda offset 30 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, demonstrating the significant impact of China-Africa cooperation in combating climate change.
“China is more advanced in environmentally friendly technologies, and we look forward to attracting more Chinese investments in green projects,” said Faustin Munyazikwiye, deputy director general of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority. “By partnering with China, we can share best practices in green technology, reduce carbon emissions, and support environmental sustainability,” Munyazikwiye emphasised that Rwanda is committed to balancing environmental preservation with economic development through clean energy and sustainable practices.
The Foundation of China-Africa Green Cooperation
While some Western critics have labelled China’s engagement in Africa as “neocolonialism,” others argue that the relationship is fundamentally different. A former deputy country director of the United Nations Development Programme, Hannah Ryder, stated, “A defining feature of cooperation with China is that African needs drive it.” Rwanda’s demand for green infrastructure and sustainable solutions shapes Chinese investments, reflecting a partnership based on mutual benefits and shared objectives.
James Kimonyo, Rwandan Ambassador to China, highlighted how China’s green growth model inspires African countries. “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 said. “China’s high-quality development, focused on accelerated green growth, offers positive lessons for countries like ours.”
A Sustainable Future
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has consistently emphasised the importance of green development in shaping Rwanda’s future. China’s support is central to these efforts. As the two countries deepen their cooperation, the transformation of Rwanda’s transport sector is a model for other African nations seeking sustainable modernisation. The ongoing partnership between China and Rwanda exemplifies how international cooperation can drive significant advancements in environmental sustainability and economic development across the continent.
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