Join Nairobi-based multimedia journalist Njenga Hakeenah as he explores the fast-evolving world of electric mobility across Africa. From cutting-edge EVs and electrified scooters to industry trends and clean energy innovations, this podcast delivers expert insights and in-depth conversations with key players driving Africa's electric revolution. Listeners will meet some of the smartest, most creative tech entrepreneurs on the continent who are shaping the future of transportation. Stay plugged into the future of mobility on The Africa EV Show!
China's EV Tech For Kenyan Farmers' Electric Trikes
China's electric vehicle technology is increasingly finding its way into Africa through an unexpected route: locally built and adapted mobility.
In this episode of The Africa EV Show, Njenga Hakeenah travels more than 500 kilometers with Samwel Kimani, founder of the Tumaini vocational center, to explore how Kenyan innovators are using Chinese EV components to build electric three-wheelers for farmers and rural logistics.
The e-trikes combine Chinese electric motors, controllers, batteries and other components with locally fabricated chassis and frames. But the story goes beyond importing Chinese technology. Kimani explains how local users helped design the vehicles around Kenya's rough terrain, cargo needs, battery range and operating costs.
The project also highlights a bigger question for Africa's EV transition: Can Chinese EV technology become a foundation for African manufacturing, repair, skills development and battery circularity rather than simply another import dependency?
From repurposed Chinese lithium batteries and battery swapping to local EV technician training, the discussion examines what it will take to make electric mobility work beyond Africa's major cities.
The conversation also looks at why China has become such an important source of affordable EV components, the potential for Chinese companies to partner with African manufacturers, and whether Kenya can develop the technical skills needed to assemble, repair and eventually manufacture more electric vehicles locally.
In this interview:
Chinese EV components being used in Kenyan e-trikes
Local fabrication and co-design with farmers
Repurposed Chinese lithium-ion batteries
Battery swapping and charging at home
EV range and cargo capacity in rural Kenya
Local EV assembly and manufacturing
Chinese-African partnerships in electric mobility
Training the next generation of EV technicians
Battery repurposing and circularity
Electric mobility for agricultural logistics
Kenya's role in Africa's emerging EV industry
The debate over dependence on Chinese technology
Watch the full conversation to see how Chinese EV technology is being adapted on the ground in Kenya, and what this could mean for the future of African electric mobility.
30 Sept 2026
Chinese EV Expansion Changing Kenya's Cars, Skills and Mobility Industry
Kenya's electric vehicle market has changed significantly in the past two years, and Chinese EV technology, vehicles, batteries, diagnostics, and manufacturing capacity are playing a central role in that shift.
In this interview, Alex Munene, CEO and founder of Advanced Mobility Kenya, speaks with Njenga Hakeenah about the rapid growth of e-mobility in Kenya, the expansion of Chinese EV brands, local assembly, battery swapping, skills transfer and the policies needed to build a sustainable electric mobility industry.
A major focus is the transfer of technical skills. Kenyan engineers and technicians are increasingly being trained to maintain Chinese-made EVs, while institutions such as TVETs, NITA and private training providers are developing electric mobility curricula. Munene discusses training linked to Chinese battery technology, diagnostic equipment and the broader goal of making Kenya an exporter of EV skills.
The interview also explores why EV adoption in Kenya is increasingly driven by economics rather than environmental concerns, particularly for high-mileage fleets and public transportation. Munene discusses operating-cost savings, charging infrastructure, vehicle affordability and why electric mobility may make less economic sense for some private motorists.
In this interview:
China's role in Kenya's EV transition
Chinese EV technology and manufacturing
Chinese investment in African e-mobility
Bingo EV and battery swapping
Chinese EV brands entering Kenya
Local EV assembly in Kenya
EV technician and engineering skills transfer
TVET and e-mobility training
Chinese battery and diagnostic technology
EV fleet economics in Kenya
Electric buses, taxis and commercial vehicles
Kenya's e-mobility policy framework
China's long-term industrial policy
Kenya, Rwanda and Ethiopia's EV strategies
The future of electric mobility in Africa
Watch the full interview for a detailed look at how Chinese technology, capital and manufacturing capacity are reshaping Kenya's emerging electric vehicle industry
17 Sept 2026
The China Price Paradox and Africa's Assistive Tech Industry Survival
In this episode of The Africa EV Show, Njenga Hakeenah speaks with Bernard Chiira, director and co-founder of Innovate Now, Africa's premier assistive technology accelerator, which focuses on driving the success of assistive technologies to enable mobility for people living with disabilities.
While the conversation focuses on how electric mobility and Chinese EV technology could transform mobility in Africa, it goes beyond electric cars, buses and trucks to examine electric wheelchairs, scooters, mobility devices, batteries and the infrastructure needed to make transportation accessible to people with disabilities.
Chiira explains why China's manufacturing scale, access to components and ability to produce affordable technologies are increasingly important to Africa's assistive technology sector.
But the discussion also raises a bigger question: when will Africa move from importing Chinese technology to building and manufacturing its own? Chiira discusses local assembly, battery technology, recycling, repairability, standards, R&D and the possibility of creating African manufacturing hubs, while arguing that accessibility should be treated as an economic issue rather than simply a social protection concern.
The interview also explores the financing gap facing African assistive-tech startups, the potential for Chinese manufacturing partnerships and why accessible EV infrastructure could benefit everyone and not just those living with disabilities.
Who has been a guest on The Africa EV Show
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Prian Reddy
Daniel Nyakora
Eugene Wang'ombe
Eddie Opoku
Alex Mũnene
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
2,247,900
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 63 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
76
Social presence
0
YouTube
93
Engagement
32
Contact The Africa EV Show
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
