China’s Contribution Accelerates Transition to Green Mobility at UNEA-6

Nairobi, The Gulf Observer: During the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) in Nairobi, experts highlighted the accelerated transition to green mobility, attributing this positive shift to the increased availability of Chinese-manufactured new energy vehicles (NEVs). Notably, China’s pivotal role in supporting developing countries, particularly in Africa, was underscored as a driving force in promoting eco-friendly urban transportation.

Ali Mohamed, Kenya’s special climate envoy, acknowledged China’s immense contribution to advancing electric mobility in developing nations, particularly in Africa. Speaking at the UNEA-6 on Thursday, Mohamed highlighted that China has played a pivotal role in helping Kenya and other African nations adopt electric mobility, thereby reducing carbon footprints and improving air quality.

According to Mohamed, nearly all electric vehicles currently on Kenyan roads are sourced from China, reflecting a strong partnership in the pursuit of carbon-free mobility. “We seek partnership to help achieve our e-mobility aspirations, and China has come on board as a crucial partner. We are importing both the new energy vehicles from China and vital parts like charging batteries,” Mohamed affirmed.

Kenya has taken proactive steps in fostering a conducive environment for the growth of electric mobility, implementing supportive policies and regulatory frameworks. The country has also invested in local assembling plants for NEVs, including buses, and two- and three-wheelers.

Data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers revealed a remarkable 77.6 percent increase in the export of China’s NEVs, comprising pure electric and hybrid vehicles, to over 1.2 million units in 2023. Chinese electric vehicle brand BYD secured the title of the world’s largest pure electric vehicle manufacturer in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Moses Nderitu, Managing Director of BasiGo, a Kenyan early-stage e-mobility start-up, expressed optimism about Kenya’s green mobility future, attributing the progress to the partnership with China. “China is making an immense global contribution to green mobility, and here in Kenya, we are feeling the impact. Nearly all the new energy models we have on our roads are imported from China,” Nderitu emphasized.

China’s thriving new energy industry, boasting over 60 percent global market share, has positioned it as a leader in NEV sales for nine consecutive years. Nderitu emphasized that BasiGo not only imports new energy vehicles from China but also the batteries powering them, reflecting the widespread acceptance of electric vehicles among local travelers.

While Chinese technology continues to enhance Kenya’s green mobility transition, Nderitu urged authorities to invest further in charging infrastructure and introduce subsidies for imported parts. BasiGo, as the first company to launch electric buses in Kenya, assembles them locally using parts designed by BYD, contributing significantly to the country’s transition to green mobility.

Rob De Jong, Head of Sustainable Mobility at the United Nations Environment Program, commended China as a leader in electrification and the promotion of electric vehicles. He urged China to share its experience and technology globally, especially in the Global South, to facilitate the widespread adoption of affordable electric vehicles.

Nzambi Matee, a Nairobi-based green innovator and 2020 UN Young Champion of the Earth Award winner, highlighted the success of Kenya’s integration into the international electric vehicle supply chains, attributing it to the partnership with China. Matee urged the establishment of a long-term partnership framework with China to assemble more new energy vehicles locally and scale up e-mobility in the country.