Burundi took a significant step towards sustainable transport by hosting a day dedicated to the Promotion of Electric Mobility, March 18, 2025. The event brought together key players in the sector, with the Minister of Commerce, Transport, Industry, and Tourism, Marie Chantal Nijimbere, emphasizing the urgency of this transition.
“This day marks a decisive turning point towards sustainable and zero-emission mobility,” Minister Nijimbere stated in her opening speech.
Minister of Commerce, Transport, Industry, and Tourism, Marie Chantal Nijimbere
The gathering included representatives from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), led by Alexander Koërner, as well as private sector stakeholders like Skyline Burundi, a company committed to the electrification of transport.
The Environmental and Economic Imperative
The transport sector is responsible for approximately 25% of global CO₂ emissions from energy use, making the transition to cleaner alternatives a critical issue. In Burundi, annual fossil fuel consumption stands at 89.5 million liters of gasoline and 97.7 million liters of diesel, collectively emitting 472.1 million kilograms of CO₂.
Minister Nijimbere underscored the alarming impact of conventional vehicles: “A thermal vehicle consumes an average of 60 liters of fuel per full tank, translating to approximately 138 kg of CO₂ emissions.”
Faced with these challenges, she advocated for incentive policies to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
Technological Advances and Opportunities
Skyline Burundi’s Commercial Director, Radhika Bharat, highlighted recent innovations in electric mobility. “Our electric vehicles are equipped with rechargeable batteries, offering a range of up to 400 km. Charging can be done at home using a dedicated station,” she explained.
Skyline Burundi’s Commercial Director, Radhika Bharat
Among the primary benefits of electric mobility are lower operating costs, minimal maintenance, and a significant reduction in noise pollution. “Unlike thermal vehicles, there is no need for oil changes or extensive mechanical upkeep,” Bharat added.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite these promising advancements, several challenges remain. According to UNEP’s Alexander Koërner, “the lack of favorable policies, limited public awareness, and bureaucratic hurdles make it difficult to import electric vehicles.”
He also stressed the need to strengthen Burundi’s energy infrastructure: “To ensure an effective transition, we must align the development of the energy sector with that of electric transport.”
Burundi is banking on strategic investments and international support to accelerate this shift. “If we establish a favorable framework, we can expect sustainable mobility within 10 to 15 years,” Koërner stated.
As global momentum shifts towards cleaner transport solutions, Burundi is determined to play its part in the green revolution, paving the way for a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
