By Samuel Ssenono.
Uganda’s Kayoola Electric Vehicle has arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 4 December 2025, as part of a regional market engagement targeting investors, insurers, and technology partners in the electric mobility space.
Led by Uganda’s High Commissioner, the delegation comprising officials from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kiira Motors Corporation, and the Made in Uganda programme was hosted at the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Private sector players, including potential financiers, fleet operators, buyers, and insurers, were briefed on the evolution of the Kayoola EV and Uganda’s growing electric vehicle manufacturing capacity. The session was also attended by officials from South Africa’s Department of Science and Technology and diplomats from East African Community missions.
The delegation later held closed-door talks with executives of the MTN Innovation Center in Randburg, exploring partnerships in vehicle technology, data systems, and smart mobility solutions. MTN welcomed the engagement and expressed interest in joint innovation programmes with Uganda’s science and automotive teams.
In the evening, the team visited the University of Johannesburg’s Electric Vehicles Innovation Department for discussions on battery systems, manufacturing processes, skills development, and joint research. The university pledged continued technical cooperation and commended Uganda’s progress in electric vehicle production.
