Tanzania is leading the charge in East Africa’s electric vehicle (EV) evolution, but a crucial piece of the puzzle has been missing: accessible and reliable charging infrastructure.

Recognising a digital gap, Tanzanian IT entrepreneur Gibson Kawago, through his company WAGA Motion, has embarked on a pilot project to establish a network of EV charging stations across the country.

Speaking with a local Tanzanian media group, Mr. Kawago emphasised the primary goal: “Many people who want to bring EVs into Tanzania ask themselves, ‘Where will I charge my car?’ So, the goal of this project is to accelerate the transition to e-mobility for Tanzanians.”

This initiative aims to address the fundamental obstacle that has hindered widespread EV adoption in Tanzania: the lack of convenient and accessible charging points.

The pilot program strategically begins with the deployment of slow chargers, prioritising affordability and accessibility. These chargers, while offering slower charging speeds, are more cost-effective to install and maintain, making them an ideal starting point for building a robust charging network.

A Smart Approach: Technology Integration

WAGA Motion is not just about installing chargers; they are integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance the user experience. A key feature of the pilot project is a test station outside their Mlimani City office. This station incorporates:

1. Mobile Payment Options: Enabling seamless and secure payments through various mobile money platforms, making it convenient for EV owners to charge their vehicles.
2. Real-time Location Services: Providing customers with real-time information on the availability and location of charging stations, making it easier to plan their journeys and find a charging point when needed.

READ ALSO:

Tanzania Steps into the Future with Fintech Sandbox Initiative

Addressing the Challenges: Education and Awareness

While Tanzania leads in EV adoption within East Africa, challenges remain. Data on EV owners is limited, hindering effective planning and targeted interventions. Moreover, low awareness levels among the general public about EVs and their benefits pose a significant barrier to widespread adoption.

WAGA Motion is strategically addressing these challenges through a broad approach:

1. Education and Awareness Campaigns: The company is actively engaged in educating the public about the benefits of EVs, dispelling common misconceptions, and raising awareness about the growing EV ecosystem in Tanzania.
2. Promoting Affordability and Accessibility: By focusing on affordable charging solutions and integrating mobile payment options, WAGA Motion is making EV ownership more realistic and accessible to a wider segment of the Tanzanian population.

Starting Small, Scaling Big

Mr. Kawago recognises the importance of a phased approach. “We’ve started with slow chargers because they’re the cheapest and most affordable, especially given the small number of EVs currently in the country,” he explained. This pragmatic approach ensures the sustainability and accessibility of the charging infrastructure in its early stages.

READ ALSO:

Tanzania Gets Eco-Friendly Ride with Electric Bajajis

User-Centric Approach

Given the limited number of EV users in Tanzania, WAGA Motion has adopted a user-centric approach. By providing charging stations to select individuals, the company is gathering valuable feedback from early adopters.

This crucial data will help WAGA Motion understand the e-mobility ecosystem in Tanzania, including user behaviour, charging preferences, and the challenges faced by early EV adopters.

A Collaborative Effort

As Tanzania continues its journey towards a sustainable and electrified future, the efforts of companies like WAGA Motion are crucial. This pilot project represents a significant step towards building a robust and accessible EV charging infrastructure, which is essential for driving widespread EV adoption in the country.

By collaborating with key stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector players, and the public, Tanzania can overcome the challenges and unlock the full potential of electric vehicles in driving sustainable transportation and economic growth.