Africa’s imports of electric motorcycles from China rose nearly 60% in the first half of 2026, with Morocco, Egypt, and Algeria leading the surge. The increase in electric two- and three-wheelers reflects a growing shift toward electric vehicles across the continent, although the pace and focus of this transition vary significantly by region. These smaller vehicles make up a large portion of Africa’s road traffic and are heavily used for commercial purposes, such as transporting goods and people. Switching to electric models could significantly reduce fuel use and urban air pollution. In North Africa, electric motorcycle imports reached $114.6 million, driven largely by consumer demand for scooters and mopeds used for daily commuting and short trips. Morocco led the region, importing 80,188 units worth $21.7 million, followed closely by Egypt and Algeria. In contrast, sub-Saharan Africa saw South Africa as the top importer, bringing in 19,635 electric bikes valued at $6.9 million. This divergence highlights different market needs: North Africa is focused on personal use, while East and Central Africa are investing in commercial applications like taxi services and delivery networks. Local startups in East and Central Africa are playing a key role in shaping the electric motorcycle landscape. Companies like Spiro, Africa’s largest EV bike firm, have raised over $348 million in recent investments. These firms are not only assembling imported components but also building local infrastructure, such as battery-swapping stations and charging networks, tailored for commercial riders. Battery swapping allows drivers to quickly exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones, avoiding the long wait times of traditional charging. This system is particularly useful for riders who rely on their motorcycles for daily income. The shift to electric vehicles is already showing results in some countries. In Uganda, electric motorcycles accounted for about 20% of motorcycle sales last year, while in Kenya, the figure was around 15%. If this trend continues, it could reduce fuel imports significantly. Analysts estimate that widespread electrification could displace roughly $600 million in fuel imports in Uganda and between $600 million and $800 million in Kenya. However, challenges remain. Much of the industry in East and West Africa still relies on imported parts, with local production limited to simpler components. Additionally, fragmented battery-swapping systems—where different companies use proprietary technology—can hinder growth and local manufacturing efforts.