Electric buses are taking over African cities. Here’s why.

Nairobi, Dakar, and Addis Ababa are just a few African cities where electric buses have become a common sight. Africa is reaping the benefits of being a late adopter. “Africa is benefiting from the fact that others have gone ahead,” says the director of Kenyan company Basi-Go. The company is part of a quiet revolution in public transport across the continent. Unlike early adopters in Europe or Asia, African cities can now skip the trial-and-error phase. They are buying proven technology at lower costs. Basi-Go, for example, sells and services electric buses designed for local conditions. The buses are cheaper to run than diesel models and require less maintenance. For passengers, the ride is quieter and cleaner. For operators, the savings add up quickly. The shift is still young, but the sight of electric buses in major capitals signals a lasting change. Africa is not waiting for the future. It is driving it.