Côte d’Ivoire is firmly committed to an ambitious ecological transition. As part of this initiative, the government has announced its objective of reaching 10% of electric vehicles in its vehicle fleet by 2030. This decision is part of a desire to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainable modes of transport and diversify the country’s energy sources.

Energy and Environmental Context

Côte d’Ivoire, with a population of approximately 26 million inhabitants, is experiencing rapid urbanization and an increase in demand for transport. According to World Bank data, the country recorded a GDP growth of 6.5% in 2023, which led to a significant increase in the number of vehicles on the roads. However, this growth is accompanied by an increase in CO2 emissions, thus contributing to climate change.

The transport sector is one of the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in Côte d’Ivoire. In 2020, it represented approximately 30% of the country’s total emissions. Faced with this observation, the government decided to take action by integrating electric vehicles into its sustainable development strategy.

The Objectives of the Ecological Strategy

The objective of 10% electric vehicles by 2030 represents a crucial step in the national energy transition strategy. Currently, the Ivorian vehicle fleet is mainly composed of internal combustion vehicles, with a tiny share of electric vehicles. In 2023, there were approximately 1.5 million vehicles in circulation, of which less than 1,000 were electric.

To achieve this goal, several measures are being considered.

• Charging Infrastructure: The government plans to install charging stations in major cities and along major roads. It is estimated that around 1,500 charging stations will be needed by 2030 to support the use of electric vehicles.
• Fiscal Incentives: Tax incentives will be put in place to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles. This could include import tax reductions and subsidies for buyers.
• Public-Private Partnerships: The government plans to collaborate with private companies to develop electric mobility solutions. These partnerships could include electric vehicle manufacturers and technology companies to create innovative solutions.
• Awareness and Education: Awareness campaigns will be launched to inform the population about the benefits of electric vehicles, both economically and environmentally.

Challenges to Address

Despite these ambitions, several challenges face Côte d’Ivoire in successfully making this transition. First, the cost of acquiring electric vehicles remains high compared to combustion vehicles. In 2023, the average price of an electric car was around 20,000 USD, while a gasoline car cost around 10,000 USD. This represents a major obstacle for many Ivorians.

Next, the development of charging infrastructure is essential. Currently, the national electricity grid also needs to be strengthened to meet the growing demand for electricity. In particular, with the increase in the use of electric vehicles. In 2022, Côte d’Ivoire produced around 2,000 MW of electricity, but demand continues to increase, requiring investments in renewable energy.

The Benefits of Electric Vehicles

The adoption of electric vehicles has many advantages for Côte d’Ivoire. First, it would help reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which account for a significant portion of the country’s imports.

In addition, electric vehicles are generally less expensive to maintain than internal combustion vehicles. Operating costs can be reduced by 50% by using electricity instead of fuel. This could also have a positive impact on household purchasing power.

Finally, the transition to electric vehicles could also create jobs in the renewable energy and technology sectors. According to a study by the International Labor Organization, the transition to a green economy could generate up to 24 million jobs worldwide by 2030.

A greener future for the country

Côte d’Ivoire is at a critical juncture in its quest for a sustainable ecological transition. The goal of reaching 10% electric vehicles in its vehicle fleet by 2030 is ambitious but achievable, provided that the government, businesses and the population work together.

By overcoming challenges related to costs, infrastructure and education, Côte d’Ivoire can not only reduce its carbon footprint, but also position itself as a regional leader in sustainable development. The road to electric mobility is still long, but the first steps are promising and pave the way for a greener future for the country.