Africa’s shift toward electric transportation is gaining momentum, with imports of Chinese electric motorcycles and three-wheelers rising sharply as countries explore new ways to reduce fuel costs and urban pollution.
Imports of electric two- and three-wheelers from China increased by 60% during the first half of 2026, reaching approximately $114.6 million, according to the report. Northern African countries accounted for much of the growth, while East and Central Africa have attracted significant investment in electric vehicle businesses and supporting infrastructure.
North Africa Leads Chinese EV Imports
Morocco, Egypt and Algeria emerged as the biggest destinations for Chinese electric two-wheelers during the first six months of the year.
Morocco ranked first, importing 80,188 electric vehicles worth about $21.7 million. Egypt and Algeria followed, while South Africa recorded the largest import volume in sub-Saharan Africa, with 19,635 electric bikes valued at approximately $6.9 million.
Industry specialist Peter Kossakowski said the figures reflect differences between regional markets. In North Africa, electric scooters and mopeds are commonly purchased by individual consumers for commuting and short-distance travel.
In parts of East and West Africa, motorcycles play a different role. Many are used commercially by motorcycle taxi operators and delivery workers who can travel long distances each day carrying passengers or goods.
African Companies Build Local EV Ecosystems
While Chinese manufacturers remain important suppliers, investment in Africa’s electric mobility sector is increasingly focused on local assembly and supporting services.
Companies are developing battery-swapping stations, charging networks, financing systems and motorcycle servicing businesses designed specifically for commercial riders.
Spiro, one of Africa’s major electric motorcycle companies, reportedly secured more than $348 million in investment over the past year. Such investments are helping expand electric motorcycle networks while encouraging more localized assembly.
Tom Courtright of the African Tech Futures Lab said Chinese manufacturers supply many electric motorcycles used across East and West Africa, while African businesses are increasingly adapting the vehicles and building infrastructure around them.
Battery Swapping Helps Commercial Riders
Battery-swapping technology has become particularly important for motorcycle taxi and delivery operators.
Instead of waiting for a battery to recharge, riders can exchange a depleted battery for a charged one and return to work quickly. This can be especially valuable for commercial riders whose income depends on keeping their motorcycles operating throughout the day.
Electric motorcycles are already gaining a foothold in several African markets. They accounted for around 20% of motorcycle sales in Uganda last year and approximately 15% in Kenya, according to Courtright.
The shift from gasoline-powered motorcycles could also reduce countries’ dependence on imported fuel. Estimates suggest widespread motorcycle electrification could eventually replace around $600 million in fuel imports in Uganda, while the potential savings in Kenya could reach $600 million to $800 million.
Local Manufacturing Remains Limited
Despite growing investment, Africa is not yet manufacturing most electric motorcycles entirely from locally produced components.
Many companies assemble motorcycles using imported motors, controllers and battery cells. Local manufacturing is more commonly focused on relatively simple components, including metal frames, seats and footrests.
Kossakowski said Africa’s strongest opportunity may therefore lie in developing the wider commercial-mobility supply chain rather than immediately competing with established manufacturers in complete vehicle production.
Financing, maintenance, battery services and energy infrastructure could become increasingly important parts of the continent’s emerging electric motorcycle industry.
Battery Standards Remain a Major Challenge
The rapid growth of battery-swapping networks also presents challenges because many operators use proprietary batteries, connectors and software.
As a result, a battery designed for one company’s network may not work with another provider’s motorcycles or swapping stations. The lack of common standards can restrict competition, reduce economies of scale and make it more difficult to develop a larger local battery manufacturing industry.
Industry experts warn that fragmented systems could ultimately increase costs for both companies and riders.
Financing and Infrastructure Key to EV Growth
The future of electric motorcycles in Africa will depend on several factors, including affordable financing, dependable electricity supplies, adequate charging and battery-swapping infrastructure, consistent government policies and greater standardization.
The growing flow of Chinese electric motorcycles is giving African countries access to relatively affordable electric mobility options. At the same time, local companies are building businesses around these vehicles, creating a more diversified EV ecosystem that could eventually extend beyond imports toward greater regional manufacturing and services.