The African Union has published the Strategic Directions for the Development of Electric Vehicles in Africa, a continental framework prepared by the African Union Commission with UNEP and the UN Economic Commission for Africa. Posted on the AU’s document library on 21 September 2026, it was adopted by African transport and energy ministers at the 5th Ordinary Session of the AU Specialised Technical Committee on Transport and Energy in Johannesburg on 30 April 2026. Charging infrastructure is central: the document notes that only about 1% of urban areas in Africa have charging stations.
Key Takeaways
- The AU published a continental EV framework, adopted by African transport and energy ministers in April 2026.
- It reports that only about 1% of African urban areas have charging stations.
- It calls for interoperable charging, common plug and payment standards, and solar charging.
- It recommends duty relief for EVs, batteries and chargers.
Key Figures
- 1% of urban areas equipped with charging stations, according to the framework.
- 63% of grid electricity still comes from fossil fuels, while Africa holds about 60% of global solar potential.
- US$15.3 billion spent on petroleum imports in 2022 by African countries other than major exporters.
- In a survey by ECA, UNEP and the AUC, lack of charging infrastructure ranked as the second-biggest barrier to EV adoption, after lack of local manufacturing.
What the Framework Recommends on Charging
- Interoperable networks: a continent-wide charging network that is accessible and reliable, built through public-private partnerships in cities, along highways and in rural areas.
- Common protocols: standardised plug types, charging speeds, vehicle compatibility and payment systems, so drivers can cross borders.
- Solar charging: decentralised, solar-powered stations for off-grid and rural regions with unreliable grids.
- Lower costs: tax incentives and import-duty relief for EVs, batteries and chargers.
- Quality and data: national standards bodies to enforce safety and charging protocols, and a proposed Pan-African EV Observatory to track progress.
What It Means
The framework is guidance, not law, but it gives national governments a shared template. Expect more African countries to reference it as they draft charging rules, duty exemptions and standards. Its focus on fleets, minibuses and two- and three-wheelers suggests depot charging and robust AC equipment will lead early demand. Distributors entering African markets can explore our distributor programme, and portable units such as the EV-ACS3210E 32A Type 2 portable charger suit areas where fixed installations are still scarce.
Related Reading
- EV Charging News: Kenya Updates EV Charging Tariff Rules
- Fleet Depot Charging: How to Size AC Chargers for Vans and Light Commercial Vehicles
- Type 2 vs J1772 vs NACS: Which EV Charger Connector Does Your Market Need?
