President Paul Kagame on Thursday received Xu Hui, head of Rich Resource International Investments, along with senior leadership from Chery Holding, both Chinese companies, and their delegation visiting Rwanda.
The meeting took place April 23, 2026, at Village Urugwiro, the Office of the President said in a statement.
Discussions focused on potential investment opportunities, including plans to establish an electric vehicle assembly plant in Rwanda. The proposal aligns with the country’s broader strategy to expand industrialization and promote the use of electric mobility.
Rwanda has accelerated efforts since 2020 to adopt electric vehicles as part of measures to curb air pollution and reduce dependence on fuel imports, particularly as global fuel prices fluctuate due to geopolitical tensions.
Government data shows that 43% of vehicles imported into the country are hybrids, which use both fuel and electricity. In 2024, Rwanda recorded 512 fully electric vehicles, while the total number of electric and hybrid vehicles reached 7,172.
The growth has been driven in part by government incentives, including exemptions on value-added tax for electric vehicles, spare parts, batteries and charging equipment.
Electric vehicles available in Rwanda include models from South Korean manufacturers Kia and Hyundai, as well as Chinese brands such as BYD and Dongfeng, alongside Japanese automaker Toyota, including its RAV4 model.
The government recently acquired 300 buses for public transport in Kigali, some of which are electric.
Rwanda ranks sixth in Africa for the number of electric vehicles, according to a 2025 report by research firm Rho Motion.
