Rwanda requires 30% of gov’t vehicle procurement to be fully electric

KIGALI, (Xinhua) — The Rwandan government has directed public institutions to ensure that 30 percent of all vehicles purchased are fully electric vehicles to cut reliance on petroleum products, according to a recent circular addressed to chief budget managers.

The circular, issued by the Ministry of Infrastructure on April 14 and made public on Tuesday, said all institutions are required to comply with the set percentage vehicle requirement in their procurement plans.

All public institutions are required to ensure that at least 30 percent of vehicles procured are fully electric vehicles, effective from the signature date, as part of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower reliance on fossil fuels and promote sustainable and clean mobility solutions, according to the circular signed by Minister of State for Infrastructure Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye.

In order to accelerate the e-mobility uptake, the Rwandan government has put in place several incentives, including the introduction of lower electricity tariffs for electric vehicle charging as well as the exemption of duties for electric vehicles and their accessories.