• Government aims to electrify 10% of its vehicle fleet by 2030

• Plan backed by EU-funded low-carbon transition project

• Market remains dominated by gasoline vehicles, with limited infrastructure

Côte d’Ivoire plans to raise the share of electric vehicles in its state fleet to 10% by 2030. The target reflects both the country’s climate commitments and a broader effort to modernize the transport sector.

The Ministry of Transport leads this initiative through the Low-Carbon Transition Project (TBC), financed by the European Union and implemented with support from Expertise France. A feasibility study carried out under the project found that the deployment of electric vehicles in the state fleet is technically, economically, and environmentally viable, provided that several operational constraints are addressed.

The ministry said this shift should reduce dependence on fossil fuels, support the development of a national electric mobility ecosystem, cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, and position Côte d’Ivoire as a regional leader in sustainable transport.

A target that contrasts with current market structure

This ambition comes at a time when internal combustion engines still dominate the country’s automotive market. Data from the General Directorate of Customs show that Côte d’Ivoire imported 28,320 vehicles in 2024, including 27,345 gasoline vehicles, 706 diesel vehicles, and only 269 electric and hybrid models.

These figures highlight the scale of the transition required to develop electric mobility, including within public fleets. In this context, the state, as a leading buyer, will need to drive demand and help structure a market that remains at an early stage.

Achieving this objective depends on several key conditions.

First, the development of charging infrastructure remains essential. The current network is still limited. Second, the cost of electric vehicles remains a major constraint. Prices are still higher than those of conventional vehicles, which raises questions about budget sustainability, even with concessional financing, subsidies, or public-private partnerships.

Beyond national implications, this initiative could help shape a regional electric mobility market in West Africa. However, success will depend on the government’s ability to expand infrastructure, secure long-term financing, and establish incentives for industry players.

Henoc Dossa