The recent 2025 China-Africa Automotive Development Forum, hosted by the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in collaboration with Hubei University of Automotive Technology (HUAT), marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s transition toward sustainable mobility and green industrialization.

Themed “Intelligent Manufacturing of Lightweight Electric Vehicles,” the forum brought together policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and diplomats to explore how Ghana can leverage electric vehicle (EV) technology to drive economic growth, reduce carbon emissions, and align with global sustainability goals. This event underscores Ghana’s commitment to integrating EVs into its national automotive policy while fostering China-Africa cooperation in green energy and technology transfer.

Ghana’s EV Policy Framework and Green Energy Ambitions

Ghana has been actively revising its automotive development policy to incorporate electric mobility, as highlighted by Kojo Annobil, Director of the Ghana Automotive Development Center (GADC). Key policy measures include:

1. Tax Incentives for EV Components: The government plans to reduce or eliminate import duties on EV parts that cannot be locally manufactured, making EVs more affordable for Ghanaians. This aligns with global best practices, where countries like Norway and China have used fiscal policies to accelerate EV adoption.
2. Local Skills Development and Technology Transfer: The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition will focus on training local engineers and technicians in EV maintenance, battery technology, and smart charging infrastructure.
3. Expansion of Charging Infrastructure: Seth Mahu, Director of Renewable Energy at Ghana’s Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, announced plans to deploy 100 rapid charging stations nationwide within five years, powered by solar-grid hybrid systems. This initiative supports Ghana’s Renewable Energy Master Plan, which aims to increase the share of renewables in the energy mix.
4. Local EV Manufacturing and Lithium Utilization: Ghana recently signed an MoU with a Chinese NEV (New Energy Vehicle) company to establish an EV assembly plant, leveraging the country’s lithium reserves for battery production. This positions Ghana as a potential hub for EV manufacturing in West Africa, reducing reliance on imported combustion-engine vehicles.

Broader Implications for Africa’s Green Transition

Ghana’s EV push represents a key part of Africa’s broader shift toward low-carbon transportation solutions. For example, Nigeria has made an ambitious pledge to achieve 100% EV adoption by 2060, with more than 20 local companies already manufacturing electric two-wheelers to meet this goal. Similarly, Kenya and Ethiopia are actively embracing Chinese-made electric vehicles, particularly for public transportation systems and last-mile mobility solutions.

However, several significant challenges must still be addressed across the continent, including persistent infrastructure gaps that manifest in limited charging station availability and unreliable electricity supply in many regions. Affordability remains another critical barrier, as the high upfront costs of EVs continue to make them inaccessible compared to conventional vehicles for many African consumers. Additionally, effective policy enforcement will be crucial to ensure that incentives and regulations are properly implemented and deliver their intended impacts.

The China-Africa Automotive Development Forum represents a blueprint for Africa’s green industrialization. By combining policy incentives, local manufacturing, and renewable energy integration, Ghana is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable mobility. The success of these initiatives will depend on:

• Strong public-private partnerships
• Continuous investment in R&D (e.g., the KNUST-HUAT research center)
• Scaling up solar-powered charging infrastructure

As Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson, Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, emphasized, the shift to EVs is not just about technology—it’s about building an inclusive, sustainable economy that benefits all Ghanaians. With the right policies and partnerships, Ghana’s EV revolution could set a precedent for the rest of Africa.