In a significant development for electric mobility in Africa, companies in Nigeria and Kenya are taking the lead in assembling electric vans and taxis by utilizing kits supplied by Chinese manufacturers. A notable example is a Lagos-based company, Saglev, which is set to assemble 18-seater passenger electric vans with plans to produce up to 2,500 vehicles annually. This initiative aims not only to cater to the Nigerian market but also to expand into other West African regions with an impressive lineup of 17 electric models.

The CEO of Saglev, Olu Falaye, emphasized that this achievement marks a crucial turning point in Nigeria's journey towards clean transportation alternatives and represents the first locally assembled electric vehicle intended for mass transit in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. He asserted that the production of these electric vans signals a practical and scalable approach to embracing electric mobility in Nigeria, promoting a shift towards more sustainable public transport solutions.

This movement aligns with broader trends toward e-mobility across the continent, as technological advancements coupled with innovative financing mechanisms facilitate the adoption of electric vehicles in public transport systems. The collaboration between Nigerian firms and Chinese automakers like Dongfeng is pivotal in establishing a local electric vehicle ecosystem that could have lasting impacts on both environmental sustainability and economic development in the region.