Rwanda, Vivo Energy ink deal to introduce electric buses in Kigali

The agreement follows the completion of a feasibility study by Vivo Energy, in conjunction with the Ministry of Infrastructure and the City of Kigali, on the electrification of the public bus fleet in Kigali, according to a statement issued by the Rwanda Development Board.

Vivo Energy Rwanda will procure the buses and build a charging and maintenance depot under the agreement.

Clare Akamanzi, the chief executive of Rwanda Development Board said the move will improve public transport in the city.

“It’s always a good thing when you have an investor that’s already doing business in Rwanda and wants to do more. It’s a vote of confidence in the country and the environment. We very much welcome this partnership, which will improve our public transport as Kigali is a fast-growing city. We are committed to making this happen,” she said in the statement.

Hans Paulsen, the company’s executive vice president for East and Southern Africa said the introduction of electric buses would help Kigali achieve its low-carbon goals and progress its electromobility plans.

“Rwanda has ambitious green development goals that will support the country to counter the effects of climate change on people and the economy...The introduction of electric buses in Kigali will not only contribute to the development of sustainable transportation but also serve as an exemplary initiative for other cities in Africa to follow,”  said Paulsen.

Pudence Rubingisa, the city’s Lord Mayor said the authorities are committed to the project’s success as it will ease public transport in Kigali.

“Everything that’s required for the seamless delivery and introduction of the electric buses will be in place in the coming months,” he said.