Chapter 2
Reaching
Every
Market
From urban showrooms to village agents, a new distribution network is making electric vehicles accessible across Africa.
Electric vehicle distribution in Africa looks nothing like it does elsewhere in the world.
There are no sprawling dealership lots with rows of gleaming cars. Instead, distribution happens through fleet partnerships, motorcycle showrooms in busy market areas, and networks of agents who carry demonstration vehicles to rural communities.
This isn't a limitation—it's innovation. African EV distributors have had to reimagine how vehicles reach customers, developing models that work for markets where formal dealership infrastructure never existed in the first place.
Three distribution models
Urban Showrooms
Traditional showrooms in major cities like Nairobi, Lagos, and Johannesburg where fleet operators can test vehicles and arrange purchases or leases.
Fleet-First Sales
B2B sales directly to taxi cooperatives, delivery companies, and corporate fleets. Bulk purchasing with tailored financing and maintenance packages.
Agent Networks
Village-level agents, often leveraging existing networks built for solar products or mobile money, bringing EVs to rural markets.
“We don't wait for customers to come to us. We bring the motorcycle to their village, let them ride it, and sign them up on the spot.”
— Regional Sales Manager, M-KOPA
Geographic Reach
Coverage by Country
Kenya leads in dealership activity, reflecting its position as East Africa's economic hub and the center of the region's electric motorcycle boom. Nigeria and South Africa follow, each with distinct market dynamics—Nigeria focused on two-wheelers for its massive boda-boda market, South Africa on four-wheelers for its more developed automotive sector.
Distribution network
BYD
BYD enters Rwanda with launch of Atto 3
GWM/Crown Motors
GWM and Haval have expanded their lineup with the introduction of three new vehicles: the ORA, TANK 300, and HAVAL H6 GT. The ORA is the first electric vehicle in GWM�s lineup.
BYD / Pilatus Electric Mobility Zambia
BYD has entered into a strategic partnership with Pilatus Electric Mobility Zambia Limited (PEM) for a range of electric vehicles (EVs).
BYD/CFAO
Loxea diversifies into electric mobility with launch of BYD Electric Vehicles
BYD/Auto Nejma
BYD partnered with Auto Nejma to introduce the BYD Han EV, Tang EV, and the Atto 3
BYD/Leal Energie
BYD Auto Industry Company Limited ("BYD") recently announced a partnership with LEAL Group, a major car dealership group in Mauritius, to promote its new energy passenger vehicle (NEPVs) in the local market.
BYD/LOXEA
LOXEA Nigeria, a subsidiary of CFAO Mobility, has formally introduced the BYD (Build Your Dreams) electric vehicles to the Nigerian market. By offering BYD vehicles, LOXEA becomes the pioneer in bringing a renowned Electric Vehicle (EV) brand to Nigeria.
BYD/LOXEA IVORY COAST
The LOXEA showroom at the F�lix Houphou�t-Boigny airport will showcase three models from the collection. The Atto3 electric SUV will be available immediately, and the Dolphin and Dolphin Mini models will follow over the coming weeks, through operating lease solutions or direct sale.
BYD/LOXEA Senegal
LOXEA in Dakar is now offering its customers 100% electric vehicles from BYD. The BYD showroom on the Ngor Almadies site will offer vehicle models for hire or purchase.
BYD/Moenco
BYD has expanded its presence through a partnership with Moenco, a subsidiary of London-based Inchcape, to supply spare parts and establish a manufacturing plant.