Tanzania marked a major milestone in its electric mobility when Deputy Minister for Transport David Kihenzile officially inaugurated the Plug & Ride electric vehicle assembly plant in Dar es Salaam. According to local media, the facility is the country’s first electric vehicle assembly plant and has now commenced commercial operations.
The plant was established through a joint venture agreement signed in April 2024 between Shakti Green Energy, an Indian energy solutions company, and Utegi Technical Enterprises, a Tanzanian logistics firm. The project was launched with an initial investment of US$7 million to assemble electric motorcycles, three-wheelers, and specialized utility vehicles using completely knocked-down (CKD) kits.
Beyond vehicle assembly, Plug & Ride aims to build a comprehensive electric mobility ecosystem by expanding charging infrastructure, providing after-sales services, and offering technical training for local workers. The long-term vision is to position Tanzania as a regional manufacturing and distribution hub for electric mobility solutions across East Africa.
Speaking at the inauguration, Deputy Minister David Kihenzile emphasized that the project represents more than a manufacturing facility. He stated that it will help establish a strong industrial base by promoting innovation, facilitating technology transfer, developing local technical expertise, and creating employment opportunities for Tanzanians.
The new facility joins a growing electric mobility landscape in Tanzania. Spiro, which entered the Tanzanian market in 2025 after expanding across several African countries, focuses on electric motorcycles supported by an extensive battery-swapping network to serve commercial riders. In the electric three-wheeler segment, TRÍ, a brand owned by Tanzanian company Ziotio, has been operating since 2020 and announced plans in 2024 to establish a local assembly line after initially importing fully assembled vehicles. Meanwhile, EKOglobe has been manufacturing solar-powered electric three-wheelers for passenger and commercial transport, designing vehicles specifically to meet local market requirements.
While these companies have contributed significantly to Tanzania’s growing electric mobility sector, Plug & Ride distinguishes itself through its broader strategy of localizing the entire value chain. In addition to assembling vehicles, the company is investing in manufacturing capabilities, maintenance services, technical training, and supporting infrastructure. With production now underway, the new facility strengthens Tanzania’s domestic manufacturing capacity and reinforces the country’s ambition to become a leading electric mobility hub in East Africa.
