The ongoing war in Iran has served as a major catalyst for the adoption of electric vehicles in Africa, driven by acute fuel shortages and drastically increased fuel prices. This has led many African nations to seek cleaner and more affordable transportation alternatives. Notably, Ethiopia, which banned new imports of gasoline and diesel vehicles in 2024, has seen its EV fleet grow to over 115,000 units, representing about 8% of its national fleet. In 2025, Ethiopia alone imported one-third of Africa's EV imports from China, totaling 44,358 units continent-wide, up from 19,386 in 2024, with a value exceeding $200 million. The Ethiopian government's push for EVs is reinforced by its monthly fuel subsidy spending of up to $128 million and a shortfall of over 180,000 metric tons in fuel imports due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
The energy crisis, exacerbated by the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, has pushed global oil prices past $100 per barrel, with some analysts considering a $150-$200 scenario if disruptions continue. For Africa, this constitutes an "existential threat," prompting countries like Ethiopia, Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco to either ban fossil fuel vehicle imports or invest heavily in EV infrastructure and manufacturing. Ethiopia, for instance, plans to increase its 17 EV assembly plants to 60 by 2030. In Kenya, the Middle East conflict has specifically boosted sales of electric motorbikes by about 40% in the last three months, with market leader Spiro's sales skyrocketing from 4,000 in 2024 to 14,000 in 2025. Riders like Wisly Onyaiti save about 2,000 shillings ($15) daily by switching to electric, a significant amount given the 22% rise in Kenyan fuel prices since the conflict began.
Despite the clear benefits in operating costs—an EV owner in some regions now spends about $4 monthly on charging compared to $27 previously on fuel—affordability remains a significant hurdle. Electric vehicle purchase prices are still high relative to average incomes in Africa, and restrictions on fossil fuel vehicles have driven up used car prices, creating additional barriers. Supply chain disruptions caused by the war, including rerouted shipping and increased freight costs, could also lead to a 5-15% increase in vehicle prices, including EVs. Furthermore, delays in connecting high-capacity charging stations and frequent power outages pose ongoing infrastructure challenges, although experts believe the long-term path for EVs in Africa is clear due to lower operating and maintenance costs.
