African countries and regional institutions must move urgently from policy commitments to coordinated implementation if electric mobility is to strengthen energy security, sustainable transport, industrialization and local value addition, participants said at the Africa E-Mobility Week & Forum 2026 (AEWF2026).
Jointly organized by the African Union Commission, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Africa E-Mobility Alliance, the Forum brought together governments, international organizations, business, finance, academia and civil society under the theme “The African E-Mobility Strategy: From Policy to Action.” Participants noted that, although electric mobility is gaining momentum and continental and regional frameworks are emerging, progress remains too slow to meet Africa’s climate, health and economic needs.
During the opening high-level panel, Yohannes Hailu, Officer-in-Charge of ECA’s Connectivity and Infrastructure Development Section, said the transition will reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, improve air quality and energy security, stimulate innovation and increase local value addition from Africa’s critical minerals. He highlighted four immediate priorities: local manufacturing and regional EV value chains; charging infrastructure and energy readiness; finance and incentives; and skills, awareness, innovation and research.