Tanzania now has more electric vehicles on its roads than all other East African countries combined. Yet despite this early lead, a staggering 75% of private companies say public awareness remains low or very low, according to a 2023 report by the Africa E-Mobility Alliance. This gap between progress and perception is threatening to hold back the country’s clean energy ambitions.
The streets of Dar es Salaam and Arusha are already seeing more electric two- and three-wheelers. Over 5,000 electric vehicles, mostly motorcycles and three-wheelers, are estimated to be on the road. But most Tanzanians have many questions and concerns about electric vehicles.
One of the key challenges for EV adoption is the high upfront cost. Customers are concerned about the higher sticker price of electric vehicles.
Another major challenge is the fear that EVs will run out of charge before reaching their destination. Customers are also concerned about the limited number of charging stations compared to petrol stations.
Even with a young e-mobility sector, momentum is building. At least 10 companies are now importing, selling, retrofitting, or charging electric vehicles.
Tanzania’s government aims to connect 75% of the population to electricity by 2030 under the National Energy Compact, and cities — where vehicle use and grid access are highest — are poised to lead the charge. But the missing piece is still public education. “Investors feel they’ve talked about EVs for years,” says one energy analyst. “But most consumers are only just starting to listen.”
The Long Road to EV Awareness.
In 2016, Tanzania had 1.2 million two- and three-wheelers on the road — a figure that has likely grown even higher since then. As urban congestion and fuel prices rise, EVs offer a quieter, cleaner alternative for city transport. But too few Tanzanians are aware of the long-term savings or the basic facts around owning an electric vehicle.
Most companies in the sector haven’t invested in customer outreach or marketing. Many businesses hesitate to pour funds into charging infrastructure when the market still looks uncertain. But waiting for consumer demand before acting could kill that demand altogether. Business customers say they’ll invest in chargers only when they see the public getting excited about EVs. That excitement can’t happen in a vacuum — it needs fuel, and that fuel is awareness.
Some progress has come from small startups offering EV conversions, while others are exploring battery-swap stations as a workaround to the limited grid. But even these efforts are operating under the radar. Without visibility, they struggle to scale.
Electric Vehicles and the Future of Tanzania’s Energy Mix.
Tanzania’s EV sector doesn’t aim to replace petroleum overnight. Rather, it’s positioning itself as a key piece of the country’s future energy mix. As the nation responsibly develops its oil and gas reserves, it is also laying the groundwork for clean transport alternatives in line with its climate goals.
Tanzania’s nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement call for reducing emissions across sectors — and transport is a major player. EVs could help the country meet these targets, while also easing the burden of rising fuel imports.
The EV conversation is starting to reach the streets, but only just. People have heard of electric cars — but few know how they work, where to buy them, or why they matter. That’s why education — targeted, consistent, and tailored to local realities — is the next critical step. A strong content strategy, like the ones Tanzania Petroleum offers, could bring electric mobility into the mainstream.
If the country wants EVs to be more than a footnote in its energy future, it has to start by getting people talking.
What’s Next?
Consumer awareness campaigns could turn the tide. With costs coming down and charging models evolving, Tanzania has the chance to leapfrog into a future where clean, local transport solutions go hand in hand with its oil and gas development.
For EVs to really take off, Tanzanians need not just chargers — but clarity. The road ahead will be electric only if people know it’s there.
Educate your your customers about the future of electric vehicles with content strategy from Tanzania Petroleum
