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Writer's pictureHusnah Mad-hy

Electrifying Tanzania’s Transport Industry: The Rise of E-Boda Bodas and E-Bajajis

Updated: Oct 26

Husnah Mad-hy is an articling student ( trainee lawyer) based in Toronto, with a background in global affairs and a keen interest in Africa, primarily East Africa. She is passionate about localized solutions to global challenges, exploring the intersections of law, policy, sustainability, and development.


Tanzania is at the early stages of a transformative shift in its transport sector, driven by the electrification of its two-, and three-wheeler vehicles, Boda Bodas and Bajajis. With over 1.2 million Boda Bodas and Bajajis in operation, these vehicles play a crucial role in facilitating both urban and rural mobility.


Boda Bodas account for 90% of motorcycles in Tanzania and are essential for transporting people and goods across the country. With internal combustion engines, these vehicles emit around three tonnes of greenhouse gasses annually. Electrifying Boda Bodas and Bajajis, driven by private sector initiatives, is a crucial step in decarbonizing Tanzania's transport sector, promoting sustainable mobility, and offering financial benefits for drivers (i.e., cost savings from electricity prices compared to fluctuating fuel prices, and through reduced monthly service costs for fuel-powered vehicles vs. electric).


Tanzania Leads East Africa in Electric Vehicle Adoption


Despite raising only US$1 million in Electric Vehicle (EV) investments, Tanzania has made significant strides with 5,000 EVs on the road, positioning itself as a key player in East Africa’s transition to electrified transport. In contrast, Kenya, despite raising over US$50 million, has just 350 EVs. This comparison, widely reported across various media outlets in 2023, highlights Tanzania’s progress, which reflects its strategic focus on partnerships, local manufacturing, and electrification projects, signalling its commitment to advancing the EV movement in the region.


E-Boda Bodas and E-Bajajis: Transforming Mobility


Private sector initiatives have been critical in this transition. Piki Piki, a Tanzanian startup, now operates a fleet of electric Boda Bodas, delivering groceries and food, while Bolt, the ride-hailing giant, has introduced electric Bajajis on its platform. Through Bolt’s platform, drivers can seamlessly integrate electric Bajajis into their operations, benefiting from reduced operational costs and contributing to Tanzania’s growing commitment to green mobility and convenience.


Fuel vs. Electricity: Significant Cost Savings for Drivers


The drivers of Boda Bodas and Bajajis are predominantly young, low-skilled men for whom price is everything. The shift to E-mobility is not only about reducing emissions—it’s about creating a cost-effective, sustainable transport solution. Fuel-powered Bajajis require around US$1.20 worth of gasoline to travel 20 kilometres (a 20-30 minute drive). In contrast, an electric Bajaji can cover the same distance for only US$0.20. Additionally, the cost of a full charge for an electric Bajaji is about TSh 2,900, significantly less than the TSh 20,000 needed for petrol to cover the same distance. Electric vehicles also eliminate the need for monthly service costs such as oil changes and engine repairs, making them far more affordable for drivers in the long term. Within six to eight months, the price difference between purchasing an electric and a conventional Bajaji can be offset by the savings on fuel and maintenance. 


Stability of Electricity Prices vs. Fluctuating Fuel Costs


Fuel price volatility is another challenge for Tanzanian drivers. Between 2021 and 2023, petrol prices fluctuated significantly, rising from TSh 2,510 per litre in 2021 to TSh 3,257 per litre in 2023. 


In contrast, electricity prices have seen minimal increases over the same period—rising from 214 Tsh per kWh in 2021 to 229.59 Tsh per kWh in 2023. This price stability, combined with the lower cost of charging electric vehicles, makes electricity a more reliable and attractive option for both Boda Boda and Bajaj drivers.


For context, an average household in Tanzania might spend around 10,000 Tsh (US$3.69) per week on electricity, purchasing 28 kWh—enough to charge a three-wheeler for several days of use.


Electrification Lays the Groundwork for Tanzania’s EV Growth


While electricity access has been a challenge, Tanzania is making substantial progress in expanding its national grid and rural electrification. Over 70% of the rural population now has access to electricity, supported by mini-grid solutions such as solar and geothermal. This expansion not only provides a stronger foundation for the adoption of electric vehicles, particularly in urban areas where most of the population is connected to the grid, but it also aligns with the country's broader goal of generating 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. As Tanzania continues to electrify remote areas by 2024/2025, the shift towards cleaner energy ensures that the electricity powering these EVs will increasingly come from sustainable sources like solar, wind, and geothermal, further reducing the nation's carbon footprint.


Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, and Local Manufacturing


Tanzania’s success in the EV sector is driven by strategic partnerships with mid- to low-level Chinese manufacturers, who target smaller markets like Africa due to their limited production capacity and capital compared to high-level manufacturers focused on the U.S. and Europe. These partnerships provide affordable and reliable EV parts, which are then assembled locally, reducing costs and fostering innovation tailored to Tanzania’s specific mobility needs.


This approach, aligned with Tanzania's Development Vision 2025 and carbon neutrality goals, supports the country's effort to reduce emissions by 2030. The shift to electric mobility is vital to this strategy, with local manufacturing and Chinese partnerships fostering skills transfer, innovation and building capacity in the EV market. 


Policies Supporting Electric Mobility


While Tanzania does not yet have specific tax incentives directly aimed at EV adoption, the government has implemented policies that indirectly support the EV market. These include tax exemptions for components used in clean energy projects, regulatory support streamlining approval processes and feed-in tariffs that encourage renewable energy use. These policies, though broad, are creating a favourable environment for the growth of electric mobility in the country.


Raising Public Awareness and Building Technical Expertise


One of the major challenges facing the widespread adoption of electric vehicles is the lack of public awareness. Many drivers are not fully aware of the long-term savings and environmental benefits associated with electric Boda Bodas and Bajajis. Educational programs are needed to inform drivers about these benefits and to provide training on how to maintain and operate electric vehicles.



Tanzania’s electric mobility transition, particularly through the adoption of electric Boda Bodas and Bajajis, offers significant environmental and financial benefits. Supported by private sector initiatives, country-wide electrification, and strategic partnerships with Chinese manufacturers, the country is emerging as a key player in East Africa’s green transition. However, more support is needed to create a stronger foundation for private actors, including improved access to startup funding, tax incentives, favorable tariffs, and exemptions for electric vehicle components, as well as investments in charging infrastructure. While Chinese partnerships have been crucial to this progress, aligning these collaborations with Tanzania's long-term goals is key to ensuring sustainable growth. These efforts will allow Boda Boda and Bajaj drivers to fully embrace this shift and contribute to a sustainable future.

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