The Government of Rwanda has entered into an agreement with Vivo Energy and the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) for the acquisition and supply of more than 200 electric buses in Kigali. This collaborative effort, in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the Ministry of Infrastructure, and the City of Kigali, aims to promote sustainable transportation in the city.
Under the agreement, Vivo Energy Rwanda and RSSB will take charge of procuring the electric buses and establishing a dedicated charging and maintenance depot. The decision to embark on this initiative follows the successful completion of a feasibility study conducted by Vivo Energy, the Ministry of Infrastructure, and the City of Kigali, which explored the possibilities of electrifying the public bus fleet in Kigali.
With the agreement in place, the parties involved will now shift their focus towards the project’s implementation, working collaboratively to bring this vision of an electrified public transportation system in Kigali to life.
Rwanda has signed an agreement with Vivo Energy and RSSB for the introduction of electric buses in Kigali
Speaking at the signing, Clare Akamanzi, Chief Executive Officer, of Rwanda Development Board said
“It’s always a good thing when you have an investor that’s already doing business in Rwanda and wants to do more. It’s a vote of confidence in the country and the environment. We very much welcome this partnership, which will improve our public transport as Kigali is a fast-growing city. We are committed to making this happen.”
This extended partnership is the result of a thorough feasibility assessment that Vivo Energy, the Ministry of Infrastructure, and the City of Kigali undertook on the city’s fleet of public buses’ electrification potential.
Along with the deal, the Rwandan government recently announced changes to its tax laws that would take effect in the following fiscal year and exempt a number of products. Notably, buses that can accommodate more than 50 passengers and electric cars are among the goods that will be exempt from taxes, acting as incentives to promote a green economy.
