Rwanda is moving towards assembling electric vehicles locally following the signing of an investment agreement between the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Ecofleet Solutions Ltd. and Chery Holding Rwanda Ltd.
The agreement was signed by RDB Chief Executive Officer Jean-Guy Afrika, Ecofleet Solutions Ltd. CEO Aubin Rukera, and Chery Holding Rwanda Ltd. CEO Mohammed Hady N. Tabriz.
The development follows a decision by the Cabinet on September 18, 2026, approving an investment agreement between the Government of Rwanda and Chery Holding Rwanda Ltd.
RDB said the project is expected to strengthen local manufacturing, promote environmentally friendly transport and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Plans to bring Chery’s operations to Rwanda have been under discussion for some time. In April 2025, RDB and Chery Holding Group signed a memorandum of understanding. In April 2026, President Paul Kagame also met Xu Hui, Vice President of Chery Holding Group and CEO of Rich Resource International Investment, to discuss investment opportunities in Rwanda, including the establishment of an electric vehicle assembly plant.
The proposed facility is expected to expand Rwanda’s capacity to manufacture and assemble vehicles, develop skills in automotive technology and create new employment opportunities.
Chery is a Chinese automotive manufacturer established in 1997 and headquartered in Wuhu, Anhui Province. The company produces various types of vehicles, including petrol-powered, electric and hybrid models.
However, details on the implementation of the project have not yet been made public. These include the total investment value, the plant’s location, its annual vehicle assembly capacity and the expected date of commencement of operations.
