Rwanda Mandates 30% Electric Vehicles for All Public Institutional Fleets

KIGALI — In a major step toward green mobility and climate resilience, the Government of Rwanda has announced a new directive requiring all public institutions to ensure that at least 30% of newly procured vehicles are fully electric vehicles (EVs).

The mandate, detailed in an official circular dated April 14, 2026, from the Ministry of Infrastructure, is designed to align government vehicle acquisition with the nation’s Sustainable Public Procurement Policy. According to the letter, signed by Minister of State Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, this initiative supports Rwanda’s strategic goals to reduce its reliance on petroleum products and achieve its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) targets within the transport sector.

Taking effect immediately upon the signature date of the circular, the policy aims to slash greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable, clean mobility solutions across the country. Chief Budget Managers across all public institutions have been instructed to reflect this 30% electric vehicle requirement in their upcoming procurement plans.

The Ministry of Infrastructure has established strict guidelines to ensure compliance. The circular specifies that in cases where the 30% calculation results in less than one vehicle or requires rounding, the institution must give priority to procuring an electric vehicle.

Institutions seeking an exemption from this green mandate will face rigorous scrutiny. The directive explicitly states that any exceptions “must be strongly justified and shall be subject to prior approval by the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA)”.

Copies of the directive were distributed to top officials, including the Minister of Infrastructure, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, and the Director General of the Rwanda Public Procurement Authority (RPPA), signaling a unified government push to advance Rwanda’s green growth agenda