Zahoor Ahmed, vice-president of strategy and partnerships at Group MIE with John Mwendwa The Kenya Investment Authority Managing Director
Kenya is set to host the Africa EV Mobility Expo from December 4-6, 2025, marking a significant step toward accelerating electric mobility in the region. The event, organized by MIE Group and Global Exhibitions Inc., will bring together over 100 global exhibitors showcasing next-generation electric vehicles (EVs) and mobility solutions.
The expo is part of a broader global series that will begin in Saudi Arabia (May), followed by the UAE (October), Morocco (November), and finally Kenya. The initiative aims to foster foreign direct investment (FDI) in the EV sector, a key industry for economic growth, industrial development, and sustainability.
Speaking at the official launch event, Edwin Masivo, Country Director of Global Exhibitions Inc., emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in driving Kenya’s EV transition. He noted that despite 95 percent of Kenya’s electricity coming from renewable energy sources, only 0.2 percent of the 2.3 million registered vehicles in the country are electric.
“The potential for growth is enormous. With the government’s commitment to having 5 percent of vehicles as EVs in the coming years, this expo will serve as a catalyst for investment, innovation, and policy discussions,” Masivo said.
The Kenya Investment Authority Managing Director, John Mwendwa, echoed similar sentiments, affirming the government’s support in creating a favorable regulatory framework and incentives to attract investors.
“In the last decade, Kenya has made some remarkable progress in the sectors of EV mobility and energy. With over 95 percent of our power according to the data that’s available, coming from renewable sources such as solar, geothermal and wind. This has placed the country on the world map as a leader in sustainable energy and green mobility, Mwendwa said
With China leading in EV manufacturing and technology, William Zhuang, Chairman of the Kenya Chinese Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the role of Chinese investment in driving Kenya’s EV ecosystem.
“China’s extensive experience in EV technology, supply chain management, and infrastructure development can play a key role in helping Kenya establish local assembly plants and manufacturing hubs. This will not only reduce import costs but also create jobs and train local engineers,” Zhuang stated.
Zhuang further emphasized the importance of financing models such as public-private partnerships (PPP) and microfinance to make EVs more affordable for individuals and businesses. He also called for investment in charging stations and maintenance facilities, noting that China’s large-scale infrastructure expertise could help Kenya build a sustainable EV ecosystem.
Global Investors eye Eletric Vehicle market as Kenya set to host EV mobility expo in December
MIE Group, the lead organizer of the expo, has been operating for 25 years across multiple markets, including Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and now Kenya. Zahoor Ahmed, vice-president of strategy and partnerships at MIE Group, explained that the company is investing heavily in strategic partnerships and global marketing to ensure the success of the Africa EV Mobility Expo.
“The expo will be a B2B platform with a consumer engagement element, featuring discussions on EV infrastructure, policy, battery technology, and sustainable mobility solutions. We aim to attract over 5,000 high-profile business leaders, investors, and policymakers,” Ahmed stated.
Kenya will benefit from the exposure and collaborations built across the four international EV expos. The event will also feature special sponsorships, including a chance to win a brand-new EV and promotional branding of EV vehicle models across the country.
Dr. Rosebella Namango, Advisory Board Member at Women in Technology and Innovation Africa (WITIA), highlighted the need for greater female participation in STEM fields, particularly in the EV and mobility sector.
“Our focus is to bridge the gender gap in technology, research, mentorship, and policy formulation. We look forward to ensuring more women take part in Kenya’s EV revolution,” she said.
A key challenge for Kenya’s EV transition is public perception and misinformation. MIE Group emphasized the importance of a national communication campaign to educate Kenyans on the economic and environmental benefits of EV adoption.
“The government is working on policies to reduce costs, expand infrastructure, and create incentives. Our role is to ensure that the public is well-informed about these initiatives,” said an industry representative during the panel discussion.
The Africa EV Mobility Expo will be a landmark event for Kenya and the broader East African market, bringing together global investors, local businesses, policymakers, and technology innovators.
With China’s growing involvement, government support, and a commitment to local manufacturing and infrastructure development, Kenya is positioning itself as a regional hub for EV innovation.
As Kenya moves toward a cleaner, more sustainable, and cost-effective transport system, industry leaders believe that collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors will be crucial in driving the country’s EV revolution.