APA – Kigali (Rwanda) – The Government of Rwanda on Thursday signed an agreement with Vivo Energy, one of the pan-African retailer and distributor of high-quality fuels and lubricants for the supply of over 200 electric buses in Kigali.
It is expected that Vivo Energy Rwanda will procure the buses and build a charging and maintenance depot, according to an official statement seen by APA in Kigali.
The agreement follows the completion of a feasibility study by Vivo Energy, in conjunction with the Ministry of Infrastructure and the City of Kigali, on the electrification of the public bus fleet in Kigali. The parties will now work towards the implementation of the project.
Speaking at the signing, Clare Akamanzi, Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Development Board pointed out that it’s always a good thing when you have an investor that’s already doing business in Rwanda and wants to do more.
On his part, Hans Paulsen, Executive Vice President East & Southern Africa, Vivo Energy said: “Rwanda has ambitious green development goals that will support the country to counter the effects of climate change on people and the economy. ”
The introduction of electric buses in Kigali will not only contribute to the development of sustainable transportation but also serve as an exemplary initiative for other cities in Africa to follow.”
Paulsen also thanked the Government of Rwanda for creating a conducive investment environment and went on to thank all the teams who have worked tirelessly to get to this milestone.
According to Pudence Rubingisa, Mayor, City of Kigali, the new project will ease public transport in Kigali. “Everything that’s required for the seamless delivery and introduction of the electric buses will be in place in the coming months,” he said.
Reacting to the new move, Regis Rugemanshuro, Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Social Security Board observed that this partnership to invest in electric buses to improve public transport while prioritising sustainability.
CU/APA