Emissions are rising, urban populations are growing, and public transport systems are under pressure. African cities need cleaner and more efficient ways to move people, and buses play a central role in achieving this goal. In all this, African Countries still need to ensure that Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) emission targets are realised.
At the recent Smarter Mobility Africa conference, I moderated a panel discussion on vehicle technologies that can support the growth of bus fleets while reducing emissions. The conversation highlighted a vital reality: technology decisions must reflect local realities, such as the type of green required and its availability, infrastructure readiness and long-term maintenance plans.
Same goal, different starting points
Electric bus technology is favoured in terms of reducing emissions across several cities in Africa. In Cape Town, Golden Arrow Bus Services has already begun integrating electric buses into its fleet, with early pilots indicating operational viability. Other African countries, like Senegal, are also moving forward with electric bus rollouts as part of the Dakar Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). In Maputo, Mozambique, the planned BRT system for the Greater Maputo Metropolitan Area is also considering an electric fleet, an initiative that Atana has worked on as the design consultant.
But, elsewhere, electricity supply constraints or infrastructure gaps shift the focus to other alternatives. In Nigeria, for example, compressed natural gas (CNG) is more practical due to local availability, and in this regard, a significant portion of their fleets runs on CNG. In such contexts, leveraging CNG reduces emissions while avoiding the need for costly capital expenditures, such as fleet and infrastructure upgrades.
Infrastructure, skills and systems need to keep pace
It’s important to note that bus technology doesn’t operate in isolation. Changing vehicle types affects the entire system around them, from depot upgrades and maintenance routines to driver training and workshop tools.
In many African cities, diesel bus infrastructure has been in place for decades. Mechanics, technicians and support staff are experienced in these systems. And because the transition to electric or hybrid fleets involves more than just procurement, we need to think about preparing people, upskilling workers and adapting depots and service models. A Just Transition is essential here, not only to transform technology but to support people.
Without this holistic approach, we may face a myriad of problems, among them operational issues. For example, diesel buses can be refuelled quickly, while electric buses require extended charging times. This changes shift planning, scheduling and overnight staffing needs at depots.
Gradual transitions make more sense
In many African cities, existing diesel buses still have several years of operational life remaining. Therefore, in some cases, it’s more practical to convert or upgrade these vehicles using hybrid or lower-emission solutions than to replace them entirely.
Gradual transitions also reduce financial strain. Cleaner bus technologies are more expensive upfront, especially for cities facing budget limitations. Phased rollouts, supported by practical financing models, operational subsidies or grant mechanisms, offer a more workable path forward.
At the same time, improving route planning, strengthening first- and last-mile connections and aligning national procurement strategies can increase the overall efficiency of public transport systems.
How do we frame this?
One of the standout frameworks shared at the conference offered a refreshingly practical lens. I’ve adapted it here to reflect how cities might make locally relevant, rather than globally driven, technology decisions:
- Understand local conditions first: Available sources of energy, infrastructure requirements, terrain, service models and skills availability all shape feasibility.
- Start with small, structured trials: Testing solutions in real-world but manageable environments reveals strengths and gaps early.
- Refine based on operational learning: Feedback from the structured trials helps improve performance, reliability and maintenance fit.
- Grow what works, where it works: Roll out proven models incrementally, with adjustments for local constraints and capacity to meet desired emission targets.
The road that makes progress possible
Many African cities are making progress. Some are testing electric buses in pilot phases, while others are exploring alternative fuels based on what’s locally available and practical. The interest is growing steadily, which is exactly what we want to see.
What matters now is supporting this growth with realistic, grounded approaches that consider emissions, yes, but also infrastructure, skills and capacity. Public transport reform is a complex process that incorporates a diverse range of stakeholders. When done with care and consideration, it can support both environmental goals and community livelihoods.
My opinion? Smart Mobility goes beyond smart vehicles. You need clear decisions, supportive systems and practical implementation to make it work.