Sierra Leone Launches E-Keke Project to Promote Electric Mobility
Sierra Leone has initiated its first electric mobility strategy by introducing electric three-wheelers, called e-kekes. Supported by UNEP and funded by the EU, this project aims to reduce emissions and improve air quality. The plan involves regulatory frameworks, battery-swapping stations, and economic models, focusing on gender inclusivity and environmental benefits while transitioning to sustainable transportation.
Sierra Leone has launched its inaugural electric mobility strategy, introducing electric three-wheelers termed e-kekes. This initiative aligns with a broader effort known as “Supporting Sierra Leone with the Shift to Electric Mobility,” which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, bolster urban mobility, and enhance air quality with backing from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The project’s key objectives include establishing regulatory frameworks, piloting electric three-wheelers, and creating battery-swapping stations alongside sustainable business models. It emphasizes scaling successful initiatives and implementing fiscal policies to promote electric vehicle (EV) adoption across Sierra Leone.
Funded by the European Union via the SOLUTIONSPlus project, the initiative commenced in 2024, co-financed and implemented with the national government, UNEP, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and local stakeholders. This marks a crucial step in Sierra Leone’s journey towards sustainable transportation, with an initial deployment of 15 e-kekes in Freetown, integrating a gender-inclusive approach where 30% of drivers are women.
The e-keke transition is anticipated to produce significant environmental advantages, as traditional three-wheelers consume fuel inefficiently, exacerbating air pollution. The UN reports that air pollution leads to 394,000 premature deaths across Africa annually. By replacing conventional vehicles with e-kekes, local pollutants can be minimized, thereby enhancing urban air quality and road safety.
Although e-kekes have a higher upfront cost—1.2 to 1.5 times that of conventional vehicles—benefits from reduced operational costs and an efficient battery-swapping system support their economic viability. Furthermore, e-keke drivers can expect higher earnings and lower daily rental costs, which are $1.50 versus $5 for traditional kekes.
This initiative supports the EPA and Ministry of Transport’s broader agenda that focuses on electric two- and three-wheelers, representing 10% of Sierra Leone’s vehicle fleet. These measures aim to bolster economic resilience by minimizing fossil fuel dependence and achieving the country’s carbon neutrality goals by 2050, while encouraging entrepreneurship in the EV sector and opening job opportunities for youth.
“Supporting Sierra Leone with the Shift to Electric Mobility” will extend until 2026, featuring innovative solar-powered battery-swapping stations to enhance operational efficiency. A detailed monitoring framework will assess vehicle performance, environmental impacts, and socio-economic benefits, particularly regarding women’s involvement in the transportation sector.
The launch of the e-keke project signifies a transformative step towards sustainable transportation in Sierra Leone. By promoting electric mobility, it aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution while enhancing the economic resilience of the local transport sector. With a focus on gender inclusivity and financial viability, the initiative will pave the way for a greener future and improved public health outcomes in urban areas.
Original Source: africanreview.com
