Exploring Enabling Energy Frameworks for Electric Mobility in Rwanda : Technical Report

Overview & Synopsis

The report Exploring Enabling Energy Frameworks for Battery Electric Buses in Rwanda assesses the capacity of Rwanda’s energy sector to support the growing shift toward electric mobility, with a focus on battery electric buses (BEBs). Undertaken within the framework of the World Bank’s Rwanda Urban Mobility Improvement Project (RUMI), the study evaluates technical, regulatory, institutional, and financial considerations critical to this transition. It assesses projected electricity demand, grid impacts, and the deployment of charging infrastructure, with a particular focus on urban centers such as Kigali. The analysis highlights the importance of smart charging, cost-reflective tariffs, and alignment with international standards to ensure grid stability and long-term system compatibility. The report also reviews policy frameworks, investment opportunities, and the potential role of public-private partnerships in scaling infrastructure. A case study of the Nyabugogo transit hub demonstrates the benefits of integrated planning and decentralized energy solutions. The findings and recommendations aim to strengthen a coordinated and data-driven approach to BEB implementation that balances growing transport electrification needs with energy system resilience.