The Environmental Protection Agency of Sierra Leone (EPA-SL) has officially launched the country’s first electric mobility strategy, introducing electric three-wheelers known as e-kekes. This initiative, part of the broader “Supporting Sierra Leone with the Shift to Electric Mobility” campaign, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve urban mobility, and enhance air quality with support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The project focuses on developing regulatory frameworks, piloting electric three-wheelers and battery-swapping stations, and designing sustainable business models. By scaling up successful initiatives and implementing fiscal policies, the initiative aims to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption across Sierra Leone.
Funded by the European Union through the SOLUTIONSPlus project and co-financed by the national government, UNEP, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and local stakeholders, the initiative marks a significant step towards sustainable transportation in Sierra Leone. The project, which began in 2024, will initially deploy a fleet of 15 e-kekes in the capital city, Freetown. Notably, the initiative targets 30 percent of women drivers to test the concept, emphasizing gender inclusion.
Traditional three-wheelers consume four liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers, contributing significantly to air pollution. The transition to electric vehicles promises to reduce local air pollutants, mitigate pollution-related health risks, and enhance road safety by promoting the use of quality e-kekes. The United Nations links air pollution to 394,000 annual premature deaths in the African region, highlighting the urgency of such measures.
Despite a higher upfront investment—1.2 to 1.5 times more than traditional vehicles—e-kekes offer substantial cost advantages. Feasibility studies show reduced operational costs and an efficient battery swap system, making e-kekes economically viable. Drivers can expect higher profits while paying reduced daily rental fees of US$1.5, compared to the current US$5 for conventional kekes.
The initiative aligns with the broader efforts led by the EPA and Ministry of Transport to shift to electric two- and three-wheelers, which constitute 10 percent of Sierra Leone’s vehicle fleet. These efforts aim to bolster economic resilience by reducing fossil fuel dependence and supporting the nation’s 2050 carbon neutrality ambitions. Additionally, the project seeks to foster entrepreneurship in the local electric vehicle sector and create employment opportunities for young people.
Scheduled to run until 2026, “Supporting Sierra Leone with the Shift to Electric Mobility” includes innovative features such as solar-powered battery-swapping stations to ensure operational efficiency. A robust monitoring framework will track vehicle performance, environmental impact, and socio-economic benefits.
Source; https://www.unep.org/technical-highlight/sierra-leone-electrifies-three-wheelers-counter-rising-fuel-prices-air