Data, energy and innovation reshape mobility at GITEX Africa 2026

Tuesday 07 April 2026 - 13:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Data, energy and innovation reshape mobility at GITEX Africa 2026

GITEX Africa Morocco 2026 will highlight how mobility across Africa is being redefined through the convergence of digital systems, energy infrastructure, and sustainable innovation, as policymakers and industry leaders gather in Marrakech from April 7 to 9.

Across the continent, transport is evolving beyond traditional models. Mobility systems are increasingly shaped by data flows, energy access, and digital connectivity rather than vehicle ownership alone. This shift reflects local realities, including rapid urbanization, widespread use of shared transport, and limited access to private cars.

Economic indicators point to strong momentum. Mobile technologies contributed about $220 billion to Africa’s economy in 2024, with projections rising to $270 billion by 2030. The mobility sector itself is expected to grow from $17.4 billion in 2025 to $28 billion by the end of the decade, alongside a fast-expanding electric vehicle market.

Electric mobility is developing along a different path than in Western markets. Growth is led by commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and public transport fleets rather than private cars. By mid-2025, more than 30,000 electric vehicles were in operation across Africa, with strong expansion in two and three-wheelers and electric buses.

In Kenya, motorcycle taxis dominate urban transport, supported by battery-swapping models that reduce upfront costs. In Nigeria, rising fuel prices and policy shifts are accelerating adoption, with local assembly and supply chains beginning to take shape.

Morocco is positioning itself as a manufacturing hub for electric mobility. A major battery gigafactory project in Kenitra is expected to support large-scale production, while national policies aim to expand renewable energy to more than half of electricity generation by 2030.

Digital infrastructure is becoming central to mobility systems. Smart city projects and artificial intelligence tools are being deployed to manage traffic, reduce emissions, and improve efficiency. In Kigali, AI-driven traffic management systems are already in use, while projects like Konza Technopolis in Kenya are building integrated digital urban environments.

Logistics is also reshaping the sector. Growth in e-commerce is increasing demand for efficient delivery networks, prompting startups to develop new business models that combine mobility with financial services. These include rent-to-own systems that allow drivers to access vehicles without large upfront investment.

Companies participating in GITEX Africa 2026 reflect this shift. Firms such as Ascendance EV and DriveMe are developing electric fleets and financing models, while Geo4Net focuses on data-driven fleet management. Pixii Motors and Voltwise Solutions are working on connected vehicles and charging systems.

Despite progress, infrastructure gaps remain. Charging networks are still limited, with around 1,000 public charging points in both Morocco and Nigeria. Some companies are addressing this by integrating solar-powered solutions or decentralized charging systems.

Connectivity also presents a challenge. While hundreds of millions of Africans use mobile internet, a large share of the population remains offline, limiting access to digital mobility platforms.

Investment trends suggest continued growth. Africa’s startup ecosystem stabilized in 2025, with funding exceeding $3 billion, increasingly directed toward capital-intensive sectors such as mobility and infrastructure.

As discussions unfold in Marrakech, mobility is emerging as a system that links transport, energy, data, and finance. The outcome of these developments will shape how people and goods move across the continent in the coming years.