Africa’s imports of electric motorcycles and three-wheelers from China surged nearly 60% in the first half of 2026, driven by strong demand in North Africa and growing investment in assembly and battery-swapping networks in the east and south.
Data compiled by the Associated Press shows imports reached $114.6 million between January and June, up from about $71 million in the same period a year earlier. Northern African countries—Morocco, Egypt and Algeria—led the increase, accounting for the bulk of fully assembled Chinese electric scooters and motorcycles entering the continent.
Morocco was the largest single importer, bringing in 80,188 units worth $21.7 million, followed by Egypt and Algeria. In sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa recorded the highest volumes, with 19,635 electric bikes valued at $6.9 million.
Analysts say the pattern reflects a split in how different parts of the continent are approaching electric mobility. North Africa is acting primarily as a market for finished Chinese vehicles, while East and Central Africa are attracting investment in local assembly, battery-swapping infrastructure and commercial distribution networks.
Chinese companies are increasingly moving beyond simple exports to build more integrated operations in Africa. Since early 2026, firms have been setting up battery-swapping stations, promoting local manufacturing and forming joint ventures with African partners to assemble motorcycles and produce components on the continent.
In total, Africa imported a record 333,460 electric bikes and scooters from China in the first half of 2026, up 26.9% from 262,673 units in H1 2025, according to industry data. Some estimates suggest Chinese exporters sold around 480,000 electric motorcycles to Africa in the first quarter alone, an 89.4% year-on-year increase.
The growth is being driven by rising fuel costs, urban air pollution concerns and supportive policies in several countries. Electric two- and three-wheelers are seen as a practical entry point for electrifying transport, especially for ride-hailing, delivery services and small businesses that rely on motorcycles for daily income.
As prices fall and charging and swapping networks expand, Chinese-made electric motorcycles are becoming an increasingly visible part of Africa’s urban transport landscape, and a key battleground in the global race to shape the continent’s electric vehicle future.
Africa Presents is a Pan-African digital magazine and monthly publication covering politics, business, economy, culture, tech, and the stories shaping Africa and its diaspora. Visit africapresents.com and follow @AfricaPresents for daily coverage and monthly themed magazine editions.
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