Africa EV
Freight
Forum
Catalysing zero-emission freight across East Africa.
From viable cases to delivery.
Catalysing the transition to zero-emission freight vehicles through practical, investable and implementable projects.
The Africa EV Freight Forum convenes public- and private-sector leaders, financiers, development partners and freight operators to accelerate zero-emission freight across East Africa.
Viable business cases with tangible benefits can form the basis of the transition. The forum examines the aligned contributions needed across policy, partnerships, finance, infrastructure and implementation.
Policy
Creating enabling conditions for market development and deployment.
Partnerships
Aligning public and private actors across the freight value chain.
Finance
Building bankable business cases and investment-ready projects.
Infrastructure
Planning the charging, energy and corridor systems required at scale.
Implementation
Moving from strategic dialogue to practical flagship projects.
The Road to Africa journey will travel from Addis Ababa to Nairobi with an electric heavy-duty vehicle (HDV), connecting the forum’s discussions with a practical cross-border demonstration of zero-emission freight.
Two days.
One transition.
Day 1 brings together leaders for strategic dialogue on the enabling conditions for zero-emission freight. Day 2 turns that dialogue into applied learning through three practical tracks and a shared implementation plenary.
Building the conditions for scale
Strategic dialogue and practical exchange across policy, industry, finance and implementation.
Opening Remarks
Opening remarks from the co-organising organisations. Speaker details will be announced following formal confirmation.
Welcome Remarks
Welcome addresses from invited government, diplomatic and freight-sector representatives. Speaker details to be confirmed.
European Perspectives on Zero-Emission Freight
A high-level exchange with invited European diplomatic representatives in Kenya. Participants will be announced following confirmation.
Welcoming the Djibouti-to-Mombasa EV Fleet
A featured video presentation welcomes the electric-vehicle road-trip fleet before its final leg towards Mombasa.
The Africa We Are Building: From Corridor Development to Climate Competitiveness
Representatives from transport, energy, regional institutions and development organisations explore how corridor development can strengthen climate competitiveness. Panel composition to be confirmed.
Coffee Break
Feasibility Study on Electrification Readiness of the Northern Corridor Road Freight Transport
Presentation of initial findings from the study, examining technical, economic and institutional feasibility and future investment priorities.
Bold Beginnings
Freight operators, vehicle providers and logistics-sector representatives examine early business interest and viable applications for zero-emission trucks. Panel composition to be confirmed.
It's Electrifying
A discussion on the charging, electricity and policy infrastructure required to scale battery-electric freight vehicles successfully. Panel composition to be confirmed.
Lunch
Building Bankable Business Cases
Financial institutions and project developers consider how primary data and total-cost-of-ownership analysis can support viable, investment-ready freight projects. Panel composition to be confirmed.
Local Production of Zero-Emission Trucks in East Africa
Manufacturers and industry representatives explore opportunities for regional production and the future development of the East African market. Panel composition to be confirmed.
Policy to Deliver Benefits
Government, regional and technical institutions discuss how policy can unlock the benefits of scaling zero-emission trucks. Panel composition to be confirmed.
Tea Break
On the Road: Launching Contributions Towards COP32
Announcements of bold flagship projects in the East African context.
Closing Reflections
Closing reflections followed by a video on the road to Addis and COP32. Speaker details to be confirmed.
Evening Networking Reception
Transport to the evening reception. Final venue details will be communicated to registered participants.
Walk the Talk, Drive the Change
A practice-oriented programme that equips participants with tools, knowledge and partnerships for implementation.
Setting the Challenge
An introduction to the day's objectives, learning tracks and expected implementation outcomes.
Track Session 1
Participants work within their selected policy, technical or finance learning track.
Coffee Break
Track Session 2
Each group advances from framing the challenge to practical planning and implementation.
Networking Lunch
Policy & Market Enablement
Lead partners: UC Davis and Drive Electric
- Global best practices
- East African policy landscape
- Regulatory priorities for market adoption
- Identifying policy gaps
- Developing practical recommendations
- Country and corridor action planning
Participant takeaway Practical policy recommendations supporting freight electrification across East Africa.
Fleet Transition & Technical Implementation
Lead partners: Smart Freight Centre, Advanced Mobility Centre and GIZ
- Fleet readiness and suitable use cases
- Planning the transition journey
- Operational considerations
- Vehicle selection and charging strategy
- Energy planning and operational optimisation
- Data, monitoring and performance
Participant takeaway A practical fleet-transition roadmap adaptable within participating organisations.
Finance & Business Models
Lead partners: World Bank / IFC and Kenya Bankers Association
- Total Cost of Ownership
- Developing viable business cases
- Financing products for fleet electrification
- Preparing investment-ready projects
- Lender requirements and financial risks
- Practical financing clinic
Participant takeaway A framework for structuring and financing zero-emission freight projects.
From Plans to Projects
All participants reconvene to connect policy, technical and financial perspectives into a shared implementation agenda.
Accelerating Zero-Emission Freight in East Africa
Each learning track presents its outputs and practical lessons, followed by a facilitated discussion on coordinated action, public-private partnerships and initiatives supporting the Road to COP32.
Closing Reflections & Participant Commitments
A consolidated set of implementation priorities and commitments for the next twelve months.
Networking Reception
The organisations behind the forum
Co-organised
for impact.
The Africa EV Freight Forum combines international green-freight expertise with regional knowledge, storytelling, convening and implementation experience across Africa.
Co-organiser
Smart Freight Centre
Bringing global expertise in sustainable freight, emissions accounting, green logistics, policy development and practical pathways for decarbonising freight transport.
Co-organiser
Intro Africa
Bringing regional networks, convening experience and practical implementation knowledge from mobility, energy and sustainable development initiatives across Africa.
Sponsor announcements coming soon
Sponsors will be featured here as formal participation is confirmed.
Explore sponsorshipRegional and international partners
Partner participation and visual identities will be updated as final confirmations are completed.
Forum registration
Join the freight transition.
Register your interest in the Africa EV Freight Forum and join the organisations shaping practical pathways for zero-emission freight.
Register your interest
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