Launched at Africa E-Mobility Week 2025, this report from the Powering Renewable Energy Opportunities (PREO) programme examines how interoperability can support the growth of electric mobility in sub-Saharan Africa.
PREO’s report draws on five years of insights from its early-stage investments in electric mobility enterprises. It identifies key limitations in vertically integrated business models, which have often resulted in duplicated infrastructure, fragmented supply chains, and underutilised assets. In response, the report advocates for shared systems – such as neutral swap stations enabling battery exchanges across different vehicle brands, modular battery systems designed for flexible integration, and open-access charging networks compatible with any EV model. These innovations not only reduce capital intensity and improve asset utilisation but enhance the overall rider experience. Crucially, interoperability goes beyond operational efficiency: it lowers material consumption, minimises waste, and makes e-mobility more affordable and accessible for riders across Africa. By embracing these shared approaches, the sector can move toward scalable, inclusive, and commercially sustainable electric mobility ecosystems.
