Understanding Adoption and Integration of Autonomous EVs in Sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges and Technical Recommendations

Transportation is critical to Sub-Saharan Africa’s (SSA) energy framework, with rising demand driven by population growth and economic progress. Over the past decade, transport emissions in Africa have surged by 90%, highlighting its significant energy consumption. In 2023, the sector accounted for 40% of SSA’s total energy consumption. Globally, there is a shift from internal combustion engines (ICE) to low-emission electric vehicles (EVs), including autonomous EVs, across various transport networks. This trend is also emerging in SSA, a region heavily reliant on imported used cars. EVs offer substantial benefits, including reduced emissions and improved air quality. However, as of 2022, South Africa and Nigeria together registered only around 1,000 EVs, reflecting significant adoption challenges. Concerns include potential strains on power grids and perceived financial inaccessibility. This paper proposes a nuanced approach, suggesting that EVs, including autonomous models, can significantly benefit SSA through tailored strategies, innovative technologies, and context-specific solutions. These approaches differ from those in high-income countries (HIC) and focus on aligning EVs with regional needs to support sustainable development goals.