Rwanda is taking bold steps toward an electric vehicle (EV) future. In collaboration with Germany, the country is addressing its EV engineering skills gap through specialized training programs. These initiatives aim to reduce emissions, create jobs, and improve income opportunities for citizens. Key highlights include:
- Carbon Goals: Rwanda plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 38% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
- EV Growth: From just 19 electric vehicles in 2020 to 512 by 2024, with a target of 20% electric buses by 2030.
- Training Impact: Over 1,400 individuals have been trained under programs backed by German institutions like UEMI, focusing on EV maintenance, charging infrastructure, and battery systems.
- Economic Benefits: EV drivers save $840 annually on fuel and maintenance, boosting disposable income by 45%.
- Inclusive Approach: Programs actively involve women and rural communities, ensuring broader societal participation.
These efforts are not only reducing transportation emissions but also positioning Rwanda as a leader in clean mobility across Africa. The partnership with Germany is helping to build the workforce needed to support this transition while addressing challenges like infrastructure costs, talent retention, and curriculum updates. Rwanda’s EV journey offers valuable lessons for other nations looking to embrace cleaner transportation solutions.
Training Program Details
Rwanda’s push toward electric vehicles (EVs) is backed by a well-structured training framework, thanks to a collaboration between Rwanda and Germany. These programs are designed to equip individuals with the skills needed to support the country’s growing e-mobility sector. They focus on practical learning and directly address the unique challenges of this emerging industry.
How the Programs Work
The training combines classroom lessons, hands-on workshops, and internships, giving participants direct experience with EVs and charging systems. With a budget of around $430,000 (EUR 400,000), S.U.L E-Mobility‘s E-Mobility Academy has already trained 1,462 individuals and developed 21 specialized trainers. The program covers a wide range of roles across the e-mobility value chain, from technical maintenance to business management for future franchise owners.
"We are seeing steady growth in job creation and job placement due to the demand for new e-mobility solutions across the entire eco-system. Our aim is to create the next generation of e-mobility experts and enthusiasts, which will guarantee economic growth for Rwandans and our fellow Africans across the continent as more e-mobility stakeholders emerge."
– Tony B. Adesina, CEO, S.U.L E-Mobility
The BOOST project has introduced a "train the trainer" model, which focuses on developing educators equipped with the latest industry knowledge and teaching skills. This approach ensures that the quality of training remains high and can scale as the demand for skilled workers grows.
In September 2024, the University of Rwanda hosted a hands-on workshop where 48 students collaborated with UEMI instructors to create business cases for light electric vehicle solutions. These students worked on real-world scenarios, analyzing operational costs, driver wages, and the broader social, environmental, and economic impacts for Kigali. This practical experience prepares participants for the challenges they’ll face in their careers.
Public and Private Sector Roles
The success of these programs relies on a partnership between educational institutions, government agencies, and private companies. Universities like the University of Rwanda and Carnegie Mellon University Africa, along with technical schools, provide both academic and practical training. Government bodies such as the Workforce Development Authority (WDA), the Rwanda TVET Board, and the Kigali Employment Service Center (KESC) oversee candidate selection and certification. Meanwhile, private companies like Ampersand, Kabisa, and BasiGo offer hands-on industry experience.
- Ampersand trains participants in electric motorcycle and battery system maintenance, leveraging its network of 32 battery swap stations in Kigali.
- Kabisa focuses on charging infrastructure training, aligning with its goal of establishing 38 EV charging stations by the end of 2024.
- BasiGo shares expertise in electric bus operations and maintenance.
In February 2025, The Ride partnered with the BOOST project to launch a specialized bike mechanic training program. This initiative trained 20 participants in bike repair and maintenance. Graduates from workshops in Kigali, Bugesera, and Musanze were offered paid internships, with opportunities for long-term employment.
"If people know there are enough skilled mechanics, they’ll be less hesitant to invest in e-bikes. Right now, it’s expensive and difficult to find someone to fix them, but this program is already changing that."
– Hirwa Nicolas, CEO, The Ride
These collaborative efforts ensure that technical training reaches all corners of Rwandan society.
Making Training Accessible to All
To ensure that the benefits of the EV transition are shared across the country, many programs actively target women and rural communities. S.U.L E-Mobility has achieved 32% female participation in its training programs. Initiatives like Ampersand’s Tinyuka Taxi Moto and BOOST’s TTM3 focus on equipping women with technical, language, and customer service skills. Rural programs in areas like Bugesera and Musanze provide free training and guaranteed internships, ensuring that participants can quickly enter the workforce.
In September 2024, the BOOST project partnered with Ampersand to support the TTM3 cohort, aiming to train 100 women to drive electric motorcycles. This program goes beyond technical skills, offering language training, self-defense, and customer service. BOOST also helps reduce financial barriers by covering parts of the licensing and insurance costs.
Economic accessibility is another key focus. Many programs offer free training and provide pathways to immediate employment. For example, S.U.L E-Mobility’s academy provided free training and helped create 1,045 jobs for its participants. By including guaranteed internships and job placement services, these programs ensure that graduates can quickly put their skills to use and start earning. Expanding such opportunities is crucial to meeting Rwanda’s goals for sustainable mobility and workforce development.
Skills and Technologies Taught
To meet the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in Rwanda, specialized training programs focus on equipping engineers with practical, hands-on skills tailored to the country’s e-mobility landscape. These programs delve into the core aspects of EV technology while addressing Rwanda’s unique needs.
Main EV Engineering Skills
The curriculum covers essential areas like battery basics, safe handling practices, charging methods, and battery production processes. Participants acquire the know-how to diagnose, service, and repair high-voltage EVs and charging stations – skills that are becoming increasingly critical as Rwanda’s EV fleet grows.
Given the rise of electric motorcycles in Rwanda, the training includes modules on maintaining and repairing these two-wheelers. There’s also a focus on e-bike servicing, catering to the needs of Kigali’s bustling urban areas.
Charging infrastructure is another important aspect. Participants learn how to design, install, and maintain charging stations, ensuring they can support the growing number of EVs on Rwanda’s roads. Hands-on training in lithium-ion battery pack assembly further enhances their practical skills.
In October 2024, KNUST in Ghana launched a three-level Electric Vehicle Technician Certification Program in partnership with UEMI and GIZ. Level 1 introduces participants to EV basics, safety protocols, maintenance, and diagnostics. The inaugural group of 50 participants came from a variety of professional backgrounds.
The training also includes business model development and light electric vehicle solutions, preparing participants not just as technicians but as entrepreneurs who can contribute to Rwanda’s evolving e-mobility ecosystem. Advanced modules explore emerging technologies that are shaping Rwanda’s EV infrastructure.
New EV Technologies
The programs emphasize technologies that align with Rwanda’s infrastructure and environmental goals. Solar-powered charging solutions are being tested to enhance grid stability and support the country’s carbon-neutral ambitions.
Battery swapping systems are another focus, ensuring technicians are ready to maintain and manage these evolving technologies.
Training also includes battery recycling and second-life applications, promoting sustainable practices for EV batteries. Retrofitting techniques are taught to enable the conversion of conventional vehicles to electric power. Additionally, participants learn about sustainable delivery systems, preparing them for roles in Rwanda’s growing e-commerce and logistics industries.
Gas Engine vs Electric Vehicle Skills
As the automotive industry shifts toward electrification, training programs highlight the differences between traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and EVs. Many technicians skilled in conventional vehicles lack the specialized knowledge required for EVs and hybrids.
| Skill Area | Conventional Vehicles | Electric Vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Systems | Engine mechanics, transmission, exhaust systems | Battery management, electric motors, power electronics |
| Maintenance Focus | Oil changes, filter replacements, engine tuning | Battery health monitoring, software updates, charging system maintenance |
| Safety Protocols | Fuel system safety, exhaust gas management | High-voltage safety, electrical isolation procedures |
| Diagnostic Tools | OBD scanners, compression testers, fuel pressure gauges | Battery analyzers, high-voltage multimeters, EV-specific diagnostic software |
| Key Components | Pistons, valves, carburetors/fuel injection | Inverters, DC-DC converters, regenerative braking systems |
| Specialized Knowledge | Combustion principles, mechanical systems | Power electronics and data communication systems |
To bridge this gap, the programs emphasize power electronics and data communication systems. Electricians tasked with installing and maintaining EV charging stations also benefit from this specialized training.
The training combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications, using tools like simulation software, virtual labs, videos, and animations to reinforce key EV concepts. This approach helps technicians transition from traditional automotive systems to the digital and electrical frameworks that power EVs.
The shift is profound: conventional vehicles emit 3.35 times more CO2 than EVs when factoring in Ghana’s energy mix. This underscores the environmental importance of building expertise in EV technology. As Rwanda moves toward electric mobility, technicians skilled in both traditional and electric systems will play a pivotal role in managing the transition and maintaining mixed fleets.
Effects on Rwanda’s Auto Industry
Germany’s collaboration with Rwanda is doing more than just addressing the shortage of EV technicians; it’s also helping the country position itself as a leader in sustainable transportation in the region. By focusing on training and workforce development, Rwanda’s auto industry is seeing growth in jobs and infrastructure, paving the way for a stronger EV ecosystem.
Closing Skills Gaps and Creating Jobs
Rwanda’s automotive sector has long struggled with delays caused by a lack of skilled EV technicians. This shortage has led to extended service times and inconsistent service quality.
"This skills gap delays service delivery. A repair that should take two hours might take three days to a week." – Serge Ndatimana, Operations Manager at Garage Weikl
Thanks to targeted training programs, the situation is starting to improve. Early graduates are entering the workforce, with 67.2% of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates in Rwanda successfully finding jobs. One key initiative, the "Boosting E-Mobility Jobs – Skills Development and Job Creation in e-Mobility in Rwanda" project, launched in February 2024, focuses on equipping trainees with practical skills through partnerships with companies like BasiGo (e-buses) and Ampersand (e-motorbikes).
Rwanda’s substantial talent pool of over 115,000 students currently enrolled in vocational and technical schools is a strong foundation for the growing EV industry. These programs are also tackling youth unemployment, which stands at 28%, with women facing even higher rates. To further support this progress, the government has updated policies to ensure TVET centers offer specialized training in EV mechanics and assembly.
Supporting EV Growth and Infrastructure
With more trained technicians entering the field, Rwanda’s EV infrastructure is expanding to keep pace with industry demand. From 2020 to 2024, the country imported 7,172 hybrid and electric vehicles, with just over 7% being fully electric. Local businesses are scaling up operations in response to the growing skilled workforce. For example, Ampersand now operates 32 battery swap stations in Kigali and plans to manufacture 18,000 batteries for its fleet by 2025.
Training programs are also addressing the need for charging infrastructure. Modules on charging network design and installation are equipping technicians to build and maintain these systems. Collaboration between private companies and technical institutions is key, as emphasized by Paul Umukunzi, Director General of Rwanda TVET Board (RTB):
"Companies should collaborate with technical institutions and the government to co-develop EV-specific curricula. Dual training, which combines classroom learning with hands-on experience in service centers and assembly plants, is essential."
This partnership model ensures that training remains relevant to the needs of the industry, fostering a strong connection between education and practical application.
Economic and Climate Benefits
The impact of these training programs extends beyond the auto industry. As more drivers switch to EVs, they save money on fuel and maintenance, contributing to local economic resilience. On a larger scale, these efforts align with Rwanda’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
Transportation is responsible for 13% of Rwanda’s total emissions, with buses and motorcycles contributing 40% and 26%, respectively. By building local expertise to maintain and expand EV fleets, Rwanda is reducing its carbon footprint while creating stable employment opportunities.
Innovation is also gaining traction. The University of Rwanda has launched a program to repurpose EV batteries, working with private companies like Ampersand, Spiro, SLS Energy, and Enviroserve to support the country’s circular economy goals.
Additionally, these programs aim to empower women and improve job access in rural areas, helping to address broader social challenges. With Kigali grappling with significant air pollution, the push for EV adoption not only supports sustainable mobility but also offers health and economic benefits for urban residents.
Rwanda’s determined approach, backed by strong partnerships and a clear vision, has the potential to serve as a model for sustainable mobility across Africa.
What’s Next and Potential Problems
Rwanda’s EV training program has made promising strides, but scaling it up and ensuring its sustainability comes with its own set of challenges. Building on the current framework, the next steps must focus on expanding opportunities while tackling practical obstacles. Rwanda’s collaboration with Germany has shown potential, but achieving long-term success will depend on addressing these hurdles and leveraging opportunities for regional growth.
Growing the Program
The achievements of existing initiatives lay a solid groundwork for scaling up. For instance, S.U.L E-Mobility has trained 1,462 individuals and created 1,045 jobs, with women making up 32% of the workforce – a clear indication that this model can be expanded both within Rwanda and across neighboring countries.
"We are seeing steady growth in job creation and job placement due to the demand for new e-mobility solutions across the entire eco-system. Our aim is to create the next generation of e-mobility experts and enthusiasts, which will guarantee economic growth for Rwandans and our fellow Africans across the continent as more e-mobility stakeholders emerge."
- Tony B. Adesina, CEO, S.U.L E-Mobility
Regionally, programs like BOOST’s e-bike initiative and Ghana’s KNUST pilot reinforce the scalability of these efforts. For example, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) launched a three-tier Electric Vehicle Technician Certification Program in October 2024, training its first group of 50 participants.
EV Training Challenges
Despite these successes, several challenges could limit the program’s growth and effectiveness.
- Keeping Curriculums Current: With EV technology advancing rapidly, training programs must evolve to keep pace. In 2022 alone, global EV sales surged by 55%, with over 10 million vehicles sold, making up 14% of all new car sales.
- Infrastructure Costs: Practical training requires significant investment in facilities and equipment. The high cost of EVs – approximately $10,000 more than the average vehicle in 2021 – makes acquiring and maintaining training tools expensive.
- Retaining Talent: Competitive salaries and robust "train the trainer" programs are essential to keeping skilled professionals and building a strong pool of educators.
- Financing Barriers: Revising loan collateral requirements could improve funding access for trainees and EV startups. Additionally, extending tax exemptions to cover maintenance, spare parts, and testing tools could cut operational costs.
- Gender Gaps: While S.U.L E-Mobility achieved 32% female participation, more efforts are needed to encourage women to join the e-mobility sector.
Opportunities vs. Challenges Overview
| Opportunities | Challenges |
|---|---|
| Market Growth: EV sales rose 35% in 2023, with nearly 1 in 5 cars sold being electric. | Tech Evolution: Rapid advancements demand frequent updates to curriculums and equipment. |
| Job Creation: S.U.L E-Mobility created 1,045 jobs in just 21 months. | High Costs: Significant upfront investment is required for training infrastructure. |
| Regional Expansion: Programs like Ghana’s KNUST show scalability across Africa. | Talent Competition: A shortage of qualified trainers and professionals remains a challenge. |
| Broader Applications: Training can extend to electric buses and other commercial EVs. | Infrastructure Demands: Reliable charging networks and grid capacity are critical. |
| Economic Gains: Drivers can save $840 annually, increasing take-home pay by 45%. | Policy Needs: Continued regulatory and financial support is essential. |
| Skills Gap: A lack of qualified workers across the EV ecosystem persists. |
Success requires addressing these challenges while leveraging opportunities. A centralized online platform for EV-related policies and resources could simplify information sharing and support. Additionally, a phased co-investment approach – shifting financial responsibility from donors to private stakeholders – could ensure the program’s sustainability over time.
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Conclusion: Building Rwanda’s EV Future
Rwanda’s collaboration with Germany is reshaping its transportation landscape, setting the stage for a future driven by electric vehicles (EVs). The country’s steady progress in EV adoption over the past few years highlights the initiative’s effectiveness and showcases the possibilities for sustainable mobility.
A key element of this success is the German dual vocational training model, which has proven to be a game-changer in Rwanda. By blending classroom education with hands-on practice, this approach addresses the pressing need for skilled technicians and engineers – an essential factor for scaling EV adoption. For EV drivers, the benefits are tangible: saving approximately $840 annually on fuel and maintenance translates to a 45% increase in disposable income. With transportation contributing 13% of Rwanda’s total emissions, this shift to EVs is a significant step toward the country’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
The partnership’s success stems from its comprehensive strategy, which integrates supportive policies, effective training programs, and infrastructure development. Rwanda has already made strides in building a reliable charging network and crafting strategic plans to make EVs accessible to more people.
These efforts align with a broader vision for sustainable transportation. As Dr. Gerd Müller, the German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, aptly put it:
"Africa’s youth need sustainable jobs and better prospects for a future in their home countries".
The Rwanda-Germany partnership offers a blueprint that other emerging markets can adapt to accelerate their own transitions to sustainable transportation. By fostering local expertise and creating economic opportunities, this collaboration not only transforms Rwanda’s EV landscape but also sets an inspiring example for the rest of Africa. With continued investment and cooperation, Rwanda is well on its way to leading the charge for a greener, more sustainable future.
FAQs
How is Rwanda’s partnership with Germany helping to train local engineers for the electric vehicle industry?
Rwanda’s Partnership with Germany: Advancing EV Skills Locally
Rwanda is teaming up with Germany to address the skills gap in the electric vehicle (EV) industry by rolling out training programs designed specifically for local needs. Drawing inspiration from Germany’s renowned dual vocational training model, these programs blend hands-on practice with technical education. The goal? To prepare Rwandan engineers with crucial EV expertise, including vehicle maintenance, engineering, and sustainable mobility technologies.
This collaboration taps into Germany’s deep knowledge and advanced training techniques, giving participants practical, job-ready skills. By equipping local talent, the initiative not only accelerates Rwanda’s shift toward eco-friendly transportation but also strengthens the nation’s growing automotive sector.
What challenges does Rwanda face in growing its electric vehicle infrastructure, and how are they being tackled?
Rwanda’s Challenges and Efforts in Expanding EV Infrastructure
Rwanda is tackling several hurdles in its push to grow its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. Among the key challenges are the high cost of EVs, limited electricity access – with only about 53% of the population connected to the grid – and frequent power outages, some of which can last for days.
To overcome these obstacles, the government is taking proactive steps. For one, they’ve rolled out tax incentives to make EVs more affordable for consumers. Another significant move is the development of a national EV charging network, with plans to ensure that charging stations are no more than 30 miles apart, making EV adoption more practical for everyday users.
On top of this, Rwanda is exploring vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. This innovative approach allows EVs to send electricity back to the grid, which can help stabilize the power supply and potentially lower energy costs. These initiatives aim to not only promote eco-friendly transportation but also enhance energy reliability and nurture local expertise in EV technology.
How do these training programs support women and rural communities in Rwanda’s shift to electric vehicles?
The training programs aim to make Rwanda’s shift to electric vehicles more inclusive by engaging women and individuals from rural areas. This is accomplished through focused outreach efforts, mentorship programs, and financial support designed to lower the hurdles that might prevent participation.
By emphasizing accessibility and diversity, these initiatives ensure that the transition to sustainable transportation benefits everyone, while also nurturing local talent to succeed in the expanding EV sector.
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