The Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA) has announced plans to launch pilot projects converting petrol and diesel-powered vehicles into electric and gas-powered systems, marking a significant step in Rwanda’s transition towards cleaner transport solutions.
The announcement was made by Alfred Byiringiro, Senior Technical Advisor at MININFRA in charge of transport, who said the government is in advanced discussions with international companies to support the rollout of the initiative.
He revealed that two foreign firms—one from Poland and another from Turkey—have presented technical proposals demonstrating how internal combustion engine vehicles can be retrofitted into gas or fully electric systems.
“We have engaged two companies on this initiative. The Polish company showed how vehicles using petrol and diesel can be converted to gas, while the Turkish company demonstrated electric conversion technology. We are now preparing to start pilot testing,” he said.
Byiringiro noted that previous efforts to scale up gas-powered transport were slowed by limited gas availability. He, however, indicated that prospects are expected to improve once natural gas extraction from Lake Kivu becomes fully operational, potentially opening space for wider private sector participation.
Rwanda has in recent years intensified efforts to promote electric mobility as part of its broader strategy to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, cut transport costs, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Officials say electric mobility offers a practical response to rising global fuel prices and environmental pressures associated with petrol and diesel consumption.
Byiringiro also pointed to early progress in the sector, noting that 85 motorcycles previously powered by petrol have already been converted into electric systems through battery retrofitting.
In a related policy direction, MININFRA recently required that at least 30 percent of vehicles procured by public institutions must be electric, reinforcing government leadership in the shift towards sustainable transport.
Since 2020, Rwanda has steadily rolled out policies to accelerate electric mobility adoption, positioning it as a key pillar of its climate action and energy security agenda amid fluctuating global oil markets.
