Electrifying Transport in Emerging Economies

Philanthropy is accelerating the global effort to electrify all vehicles for health and climate benefits—advancing support for policies to make clean transport affordable and accessible. This is very important in emerging economies, where vehicle demand is growing rapidly.

Kenya is a great example of how philanthropy can make this happen. Motorcycle taxis, commonly known as “boda bodas,” represent a significant part of Kenya’s gig economy. The country saw a surge in electric motorcycle sales, rising from just 4 percent in 2023 to 15 percent in 2025. This growth is attributed to several factors, including import policies that reduced the cost of EV components like batteries, as well as tax incentives that have made the transition more affordable for drivers. To maintain this momentum, in 2024, the Kenyan government proposed the National Electric Mobility Policy, but it was stalled due largely to financial concerns.

Philanthropy countered concerns by funding research that revealed using electricity was cheaper than other fuels. Philanthropy also backed a diverse coalition of local and international organizations that used strategic communications to build the political will necessary to turn the policy into law. Central to these efforts is Drive Electric, a global philanthropic campaign that supports smart government policies, boosts business leadership, and mobilizes grassroots efforts to accelerate the transition to 100 percent zero-emission electric transportation. Since its creation in 2021, the campaign has worked alongside the efforts in countries like Kenya as they leapfrog fossil fuels and move directly to clean transportation.