The Government of Rwanda has officially launched its first electric bus service outside of Kigali, starting in Muhanga District on May 8.This is a step forward in the country’s effort to promote green and sustainable transport.
The launch was led by the Ministry of Infrastructure, in partnership with private investors. Volcano Express, a local public transport company, is the first to operate the electric buses. The company received 12 new electric buses from BasiGo, a provider of clean energy vehicles. These buses will operate on routes connecting Muhanga to Kigali, Nyanza, and Huye, making it the first electric bus line connecting several key districts outside of the capital.
During the launch event, Minister of Infrastructure Gasore Jimmy emphasized that the government is fully committed to expanding electric transport across Rwanda, not just in Kigali. He thanked private companies for supporting this goal. “We highly commend the private sector-led efforts to expand electric mobility, both buses and motorcycles, outside Kigali,” he said. “This aligns with the government’s policy to promote e-mobility (Electric mobility)across the country.”
The shift to electric buses is part of Rwanda’s national plan to reduce pollution and fight climate change. The government wants 20% of public transportation in Rwanda to be electric by 2030.
Egide Igabe, the CEO of Volcano Express, said the company is proud to support this green initiative. “We hope that in the coming years, we will convert all our buses to electric in support of the government’s ambition to reduce carbon emissions. This will lower our dependence on fuel and reduce associated costs,” he said.
The government is also planning to bring electric buses and charging stations to other cities in the future. It is estimated that more than $900 million will be needed to fully develop electric transport infrastructure across Rwanda. The launch in Muhanga was the beginning of a larger plan to make the entire transport system cleaner, and better for the environment.
Nadia Ineza Umutoni/ The Kaminuza Star
