The Environmental Protection Agency of Sierra Leone (EPA-SL) has launched the country’s first electric mobility strategy, introducing electric three-wheelers known as e-kekes
This initiative is part of a broader effort, “Supporting Sierra Leone with the Shift to Electric Mobility,” aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing urban mobility, and improving air quality, with support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
As part of its goal to lower emissions, “Supporting Sierra Leone with the Shift to Electric Mobility” will establish regulatory frameworks, pilot electric three-wheelers and battery-swapping stations, and develop sustainable business models. The project prioritizes scaling up and replicating successful initiatives while implementing fiscal policies to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption across the country.
Funded by the European Union through the SOLUTIONSPlus project, the initiative commenced in 2024. It is co-financed and implemented by the national government in collaboration with UNEP, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and local stakeholders.
This effort represents a key milestone in Sierra Leone’s transition to sustainable transportation. Initially, 15 e-kekes will be deployed in the capital, Freetown, with a strong focus on gender inclusion—30% of drivers will be women as part of a test phase.
The adoption of e-kekes is expected to yield significant environmental benefits. Traditional three-wheelers consume four litres of gasoline per 100 kilometers, substantially contributing to air pollution. According to the UN, air pollution is responsible for 394,000 premature deaths annually across Africa. Transitioning to electric vehicles will help lower local pollutants, reduce pollution-related health risks in urban areas, and enhance road safety by replacing gasoline-powered three-wheelers with high-quality e-kekes.
Despite their higher initial cost—1.2 to 1.5 times that of conventional vehicles—e-kekes present a strong economic case. Feasibility studies indicate that lower operational costs and an efficient battery-swapping system make them financially viable. Additionally, e-keke drivers are projected to earn higher profits while benefiting from reduced daily rental fees of US$1.5, compared to US$5 for traditional kekes.
The initiative supports the EPA and Ministry of Transport’s broader push for electric two- and three-wheelers, which make up 10% of Sierra Leone’s vehicle fleet. These efforts aim to strengthen economic resilience by reducing fossil fuel reliance while advancing the country’s 2050 carbon neutrality goals. Moreover, the project seeks to encourage entrepreneurship in the electric vehicle sector and generate employment opportunities for young people in the industry.
“Supporting Sierra Leone with the Shift to Electric Mobility” will run until 2026, featuring innovative elements such as solar-powered battery-swapping stations to optimise operational efficiency. A comprehensive monitoring framework will evaluate vehicle performance, environmental impact, and socio-economic benefits, including how the initiative influences women's participation in the transport sector.
Also read: https://africanreview.com/transport-a-logistics/how-is-taag-angola-modernising-its-fleet
Sierra Leone launches e-keke electric mobility project
Sierra Leone, with EU and UNEP support, introduces e-kekes and solar battery-swapping stations to cut emissions and boost urban mobility. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
