East Africa Island nations EV program 2026
byΒ PLUGGED IN RIDEΒ |Β Feb 11, 2026Β |Β Uncategorized
| Country | Programs *Information may not be most current |
| Cape Verde | Cape Verdeβs Electric Vehicle program, known asΒ ProMECΒ (Promotion of Electric Mobility in Cabo Verde), aims to transition to sustainable transport by increasing the EV share to 4.3% of new, light-duty car registrations by 2026. Launched in 2021, the initiative supports the purchase of 600 EVs and 100 charging stations.Β Key Aspects of the Program: Target & Goal:Β The program aims to electrify public administration vehicles (10% of procurement) and reduce GHG emissions, supporting a goal of 100% electric vehicle sales by 2050. Infrastructure:Β A network of over 40-45 charging stations, including semi-fast and fast chargers, has been established across 9 islands. Progress:Β As of early 2025, over 8% of new privately owned light-duty vehicles were electric, exceeding initial targets, with 8% of new state vehicles also being electric. Support & Training:Β The project involves technical training for mechanics and professionals in the EV ecosystem. Funding:Β Mitigation Action FacilityΒ supports the initiative, which aims to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and leverage renewable energy sources.Β The project has shown significant success, with monthly charging sessions growing in usage.Β |
| Comoros | The Union of the Comoros has announced a comprehensive electric vehicle (EV) subsidy program for 2026, driven by the Ministry of Transport and Environment,Β to promote sustainable mobility and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of electric mobility across the islands.Β Key details regarding the Comoros EV program include: Purpose:Β To encourage the transition to cleaner transportation, reducing the countryβs dependence on imported fuel. Scope:Β The program is part of a broader strategy, which may be supported by international environmental initiatives aimed at enhancing climate resilience in the region. Infrastructure:Β While specific details on the, the initiative generally aligns with regional efforts to develop necessary charging and energy infrastructure.Β This initiative is part of a growing trend in Africa, where electric two-wheelers and other electric vehicles are becoming more cost-competitive, with support from financial platforms likeΒ E2W Africa. Further details regarding specific subsidy amounts or vehicle eligibility are expected to be refined by the ministry as the program is rolled out.Β |
| Madagascar | Madagascar is actively developing its Electric Vehicle (EV) program toΒ promote sustainable transport, reduce carbon emissions, and lower fuel costs. Key initiatives include the official launch of a National EV Policy, a focus on electric rickshaws (tuk-tuks) for urban mobility, and the introduction of EV charging stations at some filling stations.Β Key Aspects of the Madagascar EV Program: National EV Policy (2024):Β Launched to combat climate change, this policy encourages the adoption of green technologies. Urban Mobility Focus:Β The strategy emphasizes electric two- and three-wheelers (rickshaws) to tackle congestion and pollution. Infrastructure Development:Β Some Total gas stations in Madagascar now offer EV charging infrastructure. Leasing and Services:Β Companies likeΒ LoxEAΒ offer EV leasing plans with integrated charging and service ecosystems. Future Growth:Β The market is expanding with the introduction of electric buses and a growing need for affordable, fuel-efficient transportation. Supportive Environment:Β Madagascarβs significant deposits of graphite and cobalt, essential for EV batteries, further support the green transition, notesΒ The AssayΒ andΒ Dentons.Β The program aims to transition away from fuel-powered vehicles, leveraging international partnerships to build sustainable urban transport.Β |
| Mauritius | Mauritius is actively accelerating its Electric Vehicle (EV) program to foster a low-carbon transport sector, targeting 60% renewable energy by 2030. Key initiatives includeΒ removing import duties on EVs, offering excise duty rebates of up to Rs 200,000 for buyers, and deploying 10 kWp DC solar charging schemes.Β Key components of the Mauritius EV program include: Financial Incentives:Β Duty-free import of electric vehicles and a direct excise duty rebate of up to Rs 200,000 (approx. $4,500) for individuals. Charging Infrastructure:Β TheΒ Central Electricity Board (CEB)Β has launched solar PV schemes for residential and commercial customers to install EV chargers, with up to 10 kWp DC capacity. Public Transportation:The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)Β is supporting the deployment of electric buses to reduce fossil fuel consumption in public transport. 10-Year Roadmap:Β AΒ strategic roadmap (2020-2030)Β focuses on six pillars: charging infrastructure, vehicle availability, financial incentives, customer awareness, stakeholder collaboration, and solar charging. Market Growth: TATA.ev and Allied MotorsΒ have introduced new EV portfolios to the Mauritian market, supported by training and technical specialists.Β These measures are designed to reduce Mauritiusβ carbon footprint and dependence on imported fossil fuels, promoting a sustainable, green, and modern transport network. |
| Seychelles | Seychelles is aggressively pursuing an electric vehicle (EV) program to transition away from fossil fuels, aiming for 30% of new vehicle sales to be electric by 2030 and 100% of public buses to be electric by 2050. The initiative includes reducing import duties on EVs, developing charging infrastructure, and establishing battery recycling.Β Key components of the Seychelles EV program include: Targeted Goals:Β The National Electric Mobility Strategy aims for 30% of new car sales to be electric by 2030. Public Transport Electrification:Β A major focus is on replacing the Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) bus fleet with electric buses, supported by solar-powered charging infrastructure. Incentives & Infrastructure:Β The government is reviewing import duties to make EVs more affordable, alongside developing charging infrastructure for private owners. Support & Policy:Β The project is supported by theΒ Global Environment Facility (GEF)Β and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to create policies and financing for sustainable, clean mobility. Charging Infrastructure:Β Companies are emerging to supply and install EV chargers in the country. Environmental Focus:Β The strategy includes developing extended producer responsibility schemes for EV battery management.Β |
| SΓ£o TomΓ© and PrΓncipe | SΓ£o TomΓ© and PrΓncipe EVΒ Investment Incentives:Β While specific consumer rebates are not widely detailed, the country provides general investment incentives, including potential customs exemptions for certain investments. SΓ£o TomΓ© and PrΓncipe isΒ implementing a National Electric Mobility Roadmap to transition from fossil fuels to electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy, supported by UNIDO and theΒ Global Environment FacilityΒ (GEF). The program aims to create an enabling environment for EV adoption, set targets for electric mobility, and develop charging infrastructure to reduce GHG emissions and foster sustainable transport.Β Key elements of the program include: Strategic Planning:Β The National Electric Mobility Roadmap for SΓ£o TomΓ© and PrΓncipe outlines key targets for EV adoption and charging infrastructure. Policy Support:Β The government is focusing on creating legal and regulatory frameworks for EV integration, as part of the National Energy Compact and renewable energy initiatives. Infrastructure Focus:Β The program targets the development of charging stations and improving the grid to support increased electrical demand from vehicles. International Cooperation:Β Supported by partners such as UNIDO, the GEF, and the African Development Bank (AfDB) as part of broader energy transition efforts (ETISP). Energy Transition:Β The focus is on aligning transport with the countryβs 2030 vision for renewable energy and cleaner mobility.Β The initiative is part of a larger push to improve energy efficiency in the transport sector and enhance the countryβs overall sustainability.Β |
| Reunion Island (La RΓ©union) | As a French overseas department, Reunion Island (La RΓ©union) generally follows French national policies for electric vehicle (EV) incentives, often with additional regional bonuses.Β National Bonus Γcologique (Ecological Bonus):Β As of 2025/2026, France provides a bonus for the purchase or long-term lease of a new electric vehicle. The amount depends on income level, but it is aimed at making EVs more affordable (up to β¬4,000ββ¬7,000 for many households, or sometimes higher for low-income households). Prime Γ la Conversion (Conversion Bonus):Β Residents of RΓ©union can receive a premium when scrapping an older, polluting vehicle (typically a pre-2011 petrol or pre-2011 diesel) in exchange for an electric one. Regional Incentives (RΓ©gion RΓ©union):Β The regional council of RΓ©union has previously offered additional, specific bonuses to encourage the transition to cleaner transportation, which can be stacked with national incentives. These specific amounts can fluctuate based on the budget of the Regional Council. Corporate Incentives:Β Businesses in RΓ©union may qualify for specific tax incentives and bonuses for adopting electric vehicles and installing charging stations. Charging Infrastructure:Β There are incentives for installing private and collective electric charging points (Level 2 chargers) in residential buildings and workplaces.Β Note: It is highly recommended to check with local dealers in RΓ©union or the βRΓ©gion RΓ©unionβ official website for the exact, current, and maximum combined incentive amounts (often called the βprime Γ lβΓ©lectriqueβ locally), as these programs can be updated annually.Β As of 2026, electric vehicle (EV) incentives in RΓ©union Island have shifted from state-funded bonuses to a system financed byΒ Certificats dβΓconomies dβΓnergie (CEE), also known as the βCoup de Pouceβ subsidy. The total subsidy for purchasing a new electric vehicle can reach up toΒ β¬7,700Β for low-income households.Β Here are the details regarding EV incentives for 2026 in RΓ©union: 1. Purchase Incentives (Coup de Pouce CEE)Β The βCoup de Pouce CEEβ replaces the former eco-bonus for new electric cars. It is directly deducted from the price of the car by the dealer.Β Max Assistance:Β Up to β¬5,700, potentially boosted toΒ β¬7,700Β if the battery is European-made (βSurbonus batterieβ). Categories (Based on RFR β Reference Fiscal Income): Very Modest Households (RFR β€ β¬7,100):Β Up to β¬7,700 (β¬5,700 basic + β¬2,000 bonus). Modest Households (RFR β€ β¬15,400):Β Up to β¬6,200 (β¬4,700 basic + β¬1,500 bonus). Other Households:Β Up to β¬4,700 (β¬3,500 basic + β¬1,200 bonus). Eligibility Criteria: New 100% electric vehicle only (no used cars). Purchase price < β¬47,000. Empty weight < 2.4 tonnes. Environmental score β₯ 60 points.Β 2. Specific Advantages in Outre-Mer (Overseas Territories)Β Majorations:Β As a resident of an overseas territory (DOM), the subsidy amount is generally higher, with an extra β¬1,000 added to the bonus. Octroi de Mer:Β While EVs are encouraged, some vehicles exceeding 150 horsepower are subject to octroi de mer taxes.Β 3. Other Incentives Prime Γ la Conversion:Β The government continues to provide a conversion bonus for scrapping an older, polluting vehicle (old diesel or gas-powered car) when purchasing an electric vehicle. MicrocrΓ©dit VΓ©hicules Propres:Β A government-backed loan for low-income households to purchase a new or used electric car, with up to β¬8,000 available. Charging Station Subsidies:Β A tax credit of β¬500 is available for installing a charging station at home (residential) in 2025, which can be claimed on 2026 tax returns. ADVENIR Program:Β This program offers subsidies for installing charging stations in collective housing (copropriΓ©tΓ©), covering up to 50% of the cost (up to β¬900ββ¬1,960 depending on the project).Β 4. Important Notes for 2026 Used EVs:Β The main CEE βCoup de Pouceβ does not apply to used vehicles, but the Prime Γ la conversion might. Leasing Social:Β The social leasing program (around β¬100/month) is extended, but it cannot be combined with the Coup de Pouce CEE.Β It is highly recommended to check with local RΓ©union dealers (such as those participating in the ElectroβKer initiatives) to confirm the exact aid eligibility of a vehicle. |
