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Insights from IEA's Global EV Outlook 2025: the road ahead for Africa's Electric Mobility Jobs


The 2025 Global EV Outlook by the International Energy Agency paints a promising — and increasingly electrified — picture for Africa. While the continent still accounts for less than 1% of global EV sales, the signs are clear: Africa is entering the fast lane of e-mobility, with implications not just for the environment, but for jobs, innovation, and industrial transformation.


From the streets of Cairo to the charging hubs of Nairobi, the electric mobility (e-mobility) revolution is slowly but steadily taking hold. Let’s explore what the latest data tells us and what it means for job seekers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers in Africa.


Electric Cars: A Small Base, But Big Momentum


In 2024, Africa saw electric car sales more than double, reaching nearly 11,000 vehicles. This growth may seem modest globally, but it represents a significant uptick for the continent — especially in countries like Egypt and Morocco, where sales climbed above 2,000 units each.


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Why it matters for jobs:

  • Growth in sales means increased demand for EV technicians, sales personnel, fleet managers, and after-sales services.

  • Morocco and Egypt’s budding EV manufacturing and battery production sectors are already hiring engineers, supply chain specialists, and plant workers.

And let’s not forget Ethiopia — the country banned petrol and diesel car imports in early 2024 and reportedly deployed over 100,000 electric vehicles since. That's not just a market shift — it’s a workforce revolution.



Two-Wheelers: The Real African Opportunity?


Cars may grab headlines, but electric two-wheelers (2Ws) are arguably Africa’s greatest EV opportunity. In 2024, e-2W sales jumped 40% year-over-year, reaching 9,000 units.

The real story lies in local manufacturing and smart financing models:

  • Spiro plans a massive 100,000-unit assembly plant in Nigeria — 100x larger than its existing plants in Togo and Benin.

  • Roam (Kenya), Ampersand (Rwanda), and Arc Ride are expanding operations and charging infrastructure.

  • Financiers like M-KOPA, Mogo, and Watu are enabling lease-to-own models, putting more electric motorcycles into the hands of boda boda riders and delivery workers.

Translation? Thousands of new jobs — from factory floor to fintech, logistics, and local repair shops.



Battery Swapping: Fast, Affordable, and Full of Potential


Battery swapping — the EV equivalent of a pit stop — is a game changer for Africa.

Instead of long charging times, riders can swap a depleted battery in 2–5 minutes, just like refueling a petrol bike. That’s exactly what companies like Spiro, Arc Ride, and Roam are banking on.

This model is ideal for African cities with:

  • Limited grid reliability

  • High daily travel distances for delivery workers and motorbike taxis

  • Limited home charging options

Job creation potential? Think infrastructure techs, software engineers, battery station operators, and more.



Buses and Trucks: Momentum is Building


Electric buses and trucks may still be emerging in Africa, but there’s reason to believe change is coming.

  • In South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt, commercial EV sales are beginning to rise.

  • Qatar’s example — electrifying 70% of its fleet through a partnership with China’s Yutong — is a blueprint for African cities with strong public transport goals.

  • The Green Freight Support Program in Eastern Africa is focusing on charging infrastructure for electric heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs), opening up logistics and infrastructure-related employment.



Charging and Smart Grids: Infrastructure Is Opportunity


Africa’s charging ecosystem is in its infancy — but therein lies a goldmine of opportunity.

The IEA reports challenges, like Ethiopia’s charger deployment lagging behind vehicle sales. But initiatives like vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and solar-powered fast chargers from companies like Roam signal the start of a smarter energy-transport nexus.

Engineers, electricians, software developers, energy consultants — this is your call to action.



Battery Manufacturing: Morocco Leads the Way


Global battery manufacturing is booming, and Morocco is becoming Africa’s battery capital. With over $15 billion in announced investments and a 100 GWh battery plant in the pipeline, Morocco is leveraging its:

  • Phosphate reserves (key for LFP batteries)

  • Established auto manufacturing base

  • Trade agreements with the EU and U.S.


This isn’t just about batteries. It’s about the ecosystem around them — logistics, mineral processing, R&D, and vocational training. All of it equals jobs.



What’s Next?


From policies banning petrol cars to flexible financing models and assembly plant investments, Africa is no longer just a passive recipient of global EV trends — it’s becoming a player.

But for this growth to be inclusive and sustainable, we must:

  • Train and reskill the workforce

  • Invest in charging and repair infrastructure

  • Support local startups and SMEs

  • Promote equitable access to EVs and green jobs

Africa’s e-mobility story is just beginning. And with the right support, it can become a cornerstone of the continent’s green industrial revolution.



Looking for Opportunities in E-Mobility?


From software to solar, batteries to bikes — e-mobility is hiring. Whether you’re an engineer, designer, mechanic, or entrepreneur, the time to plug in is now.

Stay tuned to our platform for the latest jobs, training, and insights shaping Africa’s electric future.



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