Govt directs public institutions to make 30% of new vehicle purchases electric

The directive was issued in a letter addressed to directors of finance across all government institutions on April 14, 2026.

The measure is part of Rwanda’s broader plan to reduce emissions by 38% by 2030. Vehicles are estimated to account for about 12% of the country’s total emissions.

Among the strategies already in place is the promotion of electric mobility in public transport. In the City of Kigali, the number of electric buses has been steadily increasing, alongside the growing use of electric motorcycles.

According to the letter, all public institutions are required to ensure that at least 30% of newly procured vehicles are electric, starting immediately. This is intended to help lower emissions, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and promote sustainable, clean transport.

The Ministry emphasized that all institutions must comply with the 30% requirement. In cases where the calculated share results in less than one vehicle or requires rounding, priority should still be given to purchasing electric vehicles. Any deviation from the directive must be justified and approved in advance by the Ministry.

Data shows that 43% of vehicles imported into Rwanda are hybrid models.

In terms of buses, 2,084 units were imported in 2021, increasing to 2,287 in 2022, and 2,892 in 2023—reflecting an average annual growth rate of 17.8%.

Electric vehicles currently available in Rwanda include models from South Korean manufacturers Kia and Hyundai, as well as Chinese brands such as BYD and Dongfeng. Other models include those from Nissan and Toyota, particularly the RAV4 hybrid.

By 2024, Rwanda had 512 fully electric vehicles, alongside 7,172 hybrid vehicles. These figures do not include electric buses.

The government recently acquired 300 buses for use in Kigali’s public transport system, some of which are electric.

Meanwhile, the agency responsible for public transport has announced that upcoming shuttle services from Kigali International Airport to various hotels will soon be operated exclusively by electric vehicles.