The Africa EV Mobility Expo Kenya has officially been launched, setting the pace for Africa’s transition to sustainable transport.
Organizers describe the Expo, which was launched virtually, as a transformative moment for the continent’s mobility future, with Nairobi positioned to become a hub for electric mobility innovation and investment.
The three-day event is scheduled for December 4–6, 2025, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) and will run alongside the Africa Motor Show.
Further, it is expected to bring together more than 200 exhibitors and attract thousands of visitors, including global innovators, policymakers, technology providers, investors, and climate advocates.
According to the organizers through a press statement to newsrooms, the Expo is designed to accelerate Africa’s shift to electric mobility by providing a comprehensive platform for exhibitions, policy discussions, trade facilitation sessions, and networking forums.
The selection of Nairobi as the host city underscores Kenya’s role as a strategic gateway for clean technology expansion across Africa.
Importantly, the virtual launch provided a preview of the opportunities the Expo will unlock in December as discussions centered on Africa’s most pressing mobility priorities, including policy frameworks, financing mechanisms, charging infrastructure, and the electrification of public transport.
In addition, organizers emphasized that collaboration across governments, transport operators, technology firms, and entrepreneurs will be key to success.
It is worth noting that Africa is at a crossroads of climate action and industrial transformation insisting that the transport sector remains a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, while high dependence on imported fuel continues to slow down many African economies.
“By adopting electric vehicles (EVs), the continent has an opportunity to cut carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and reduce fuel import burdens,” read the statement.
Notably, one of the priorities outlined is the electrification of public transport as organizers pointed out that buses and minibuses form the backbone of mobility in African cities, and their electrification can significantly reduce urban emissions while lowering transport costs.
Additionally, they stressed the need for partnerships among governments, financiers, and technology providers to deploy large fleets of electric public vehicles and create sustainable financing models to make them affordable.
Concurrently, awareness and education were also highlighted as critical factors for adoption with organizers emphasizing that widespread campaigns are needed to build public confidence in EVs and address misconceptions about their performance, safety, and cost.
In this regard, universities and research institutions are expected to play a central role in this by presenting studies and innovations during the Expo including research on battery recycling, renewable energy integration, and skills development for a future workforce equipped to sustain the EV sector.
Beyond the technology showcase, the Expo was framed as a marketplace for partnerships as matchmaking sessions and trade facilitation platforms will connect local businesses with international investors.
Accordingly, organizers insisted that the event is designed not just for large corporations but also to create space for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). They said entrepreneurs and startups will be able to present solutions in vehicle assembly, manufacturing of spare parts, and development of charging infrastructure.
“SMEs are the backbone of Africa’s economy and must not be left behind in the EV transition. By including them, the Expo seeks to ensure inclusivity and create fertile ground for local innovators to thrive while contributing to industrial and climate goals,” the statement read.
Kenya’s strategic location, regional connectivity, and policy reforms make Nairobi an attractive destination for global investors seeking to expand into Africa. The Expo, therefore, will act as a Launchpad for businesses looking to anchor their operations in the region’s growing green economy.
In particular, the December showcase will not only feature vehicle manufacturers but also renewable energy providers, software developers, and infrastructure companies.
Moreover, delegates will deliberate on strategies to build reliable charging networks across both urban and rural areas. Organizers observed that without robust infrastructure, the adoption of EVs will remain slow, and therefore investment in this area will be critical.
The event also aligns with Kenya’s climate commitments to cut carbon emissions and promote clean energy solutions as organizers affirmed that shifting to EVs will improve energy security, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and enhance air quality in congested urban centers.
They added that the Expo will demonstrate how African countries can meet global climate goals while creating jobs and advancing industrial development.
Meanwhile, attention is now turning to the upcoming showcase at KICC with organizers projecting that thousands of visitors from across Africa and beyond will attend, making it one of the most significant mobility events ever hosted on the continent.
Therefore, the Expo will be a platform to present Africa’s opportunity to shape her own future in sustainable transportation rather than being a passive recipient of global technologies.
by Wendy Sheilla
