Following the conclusion of its first training series the project aims to impact rural communities and empower women.

Together with UEMI, PEM Motion, the University of Rwanda, and private companies, Invest for Jobs developed practice-oriented training programmes to upskill people in the e-mobility sector. 60 trainees have successfully completed the training. The project now aims to strengthen rural communities and to empower women.

Rwanda, one of Africa’s most densely populated countries, is grappling with significant air pollution challenges. The capital city Kigali ranks among Africa's most polluted cities, with air quality levels exceeding the World Health Organization's recommended limits. Due to zero tailpipe emissions, electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly in demand as a solution to this environmental problem presenting a great opportunity for Ruanda to advance and create good jobs in the rapidly expanding electric mobility sector. With this growth, the country is experiencing a rising need for skilled workers.

To address this challenge, the pilot project "Boosting E-Mobility Jobs - Skills Development and Job Creation in e-Mobility in Rwanda" aims to equip young people with the technical skills required by the e-mobility sector. In cooperation with our partners PEM Motion, Urban Electric Mobility Initiative (UEMI), and University of Rwanda, we developed targeted training programmes for university students and technical workers. Collaborating with local companies, we defined practice-oriented e-mobility courses in core areas: charging infrastructure (Kabisa), electric motorcycles (Ampersand), public bike-sharing systems (GuraRide), electric trucks (OX Delivers), and electric buses (BasiGo). These courses emphasize real-world applications through workshops, company-based internships, and visits to local EV industry partners like Kabisa.

The project launched in February 2024, following a detailed analysis of local industry needs. It has now achieved its initial milestones: the successful completion of the first two courses in its training programme. In the first course, international experts from UEMI and PEM Motion, as well as local industry partners, offered participants an overview of sustainable transport, electric mobility, battery technologies, and various business domains. At Invest for Jobs partner companies - BasiGo (e-buses) and Ampersand (e-motorbikes) - trainees gained practical experience. At Ampersand, participants learned about the complete electric motorcycle production process, from design and assembly to quality assurance and delivery.

The second course focused on EV battery technology, covering battery basics, safe handling, charging techniques, and manufacturing. Participants also learned about key concepts such as battery recycling, the circular economy, and second-life applications for sustainable management.

The 60 traineeship graduates now possess highly in-demand skills. In an upcoming online course, participants will gain further in-depth knowledge on topics related to electric vehicles, including battery production, charging, and maintenance.

Boosting Female and Rural Employment

The project has expanded its scope to address two key challenges in Rwanda’s development: the inclusion and empowerment of rural communities in general, and of women in particular. The project partners now aim to develop a sustainable business model by improving women's access to jobs in the e-mobility sector. Following a comprehensive analysis of the female target group's needs and concerns, a training programme consisting of driving skills, safety measures, and basic maintenance will be developed.

The project also aims to bridge the mobility gap between rural and urban areas by promoting electric bicycles (two- and three-wheelers) for passenger and freight transportation services. A pilot project in Nyamata, in the Bugesera District, will explore the potential of e-bikes for public transportation and encourage local bicycle taxi associations and logistics companies to adopt their use through shared leasing models. The project will develop a business model to achieve these objectives in close collaboration with communities, local companies and key stakeholders,

Click on the link to read the GIZ study titled “Exploration of Market Potentials in Battery Recycling and Refurbishment in Africa – Case Study of: Ghana, Rwanda, Morocco, Cameroon, and Kenya” (July 2024)