Nigeria’s transition to electric mobility could gather pace as global electric vehicle (EV) sales are projected to reach 23 million units in 2026, with Africa identified as the world’s fastest-growing EV market amid rising fuel prices and increasing demand for cleaner transport solutions.

The latest Global EV Outlook by the International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts that electric vehicles will account for about 28 per cent of all new cars sold worldwide this year, underscoring the rapid global shift away from petrol and diesel-powered vehicles.

For Nigeria, the report reinforces ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and compressed natural gas (CNG) as alternatives to conventional fuels.

The country’s automotive industry has witnessed increasing investments in electric mobility over the past year, with local assemblers and distributors introducing battery electric vehicles, electric buses and charging solutions into the market.

Companies such as Saglev, Jetour Nigeria, Carloha, and other automotive players have begun expanding their EV portfolios, while the Federal Government continues to implement policies aimed at reducing dependence on imported petroleum products and lowering transport costs.

Industry experts believe Nigeria’s abundant lithium deposits, youthful population and growing demand for affordable mobility position it as one of Africa’s promising EV markets, although challenges such as inadequate charging infrastructure, unreliable electricity supply and limited consumer financing remain significant barriers.

Across Africa, countries including South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Kenya and Rwanda are leading EV adoption through tax incentives, local assembly programmes and investments in charging infrastructure. Recent studies show that electric car sales on the continent increased sharply between 2023 and 2025, with growth expected to continue as fuel prices remain volatile.

The IEA noted that although global EV sales slowed briefly at the beginning of 2026 following policy changes in China and the United States, demand has remained resilient in most regions. Europe is expected to record about 20 per cent growth this year, while countries across Asia-Pacific outside China are projected to exceed 50 per cent growth. Latin America is also forecast to post a 45 per cent increase in EV sales.

Analysts say Nigeria stands to benefit if it sustains policies encouraging local vehicle assembly, battery manufacturing, charging infrastructure and favourable import duty regimes for electric vehicles and their components.

With petrol prices remaining elevated following fuel subsidy removal and motorists increasingly seeking cheaper alternatives, stakeholders argue that electric mobility is gradually shifting from a climate initiative to an economic necessity for many Nigerian households and businesses.

However, they caution that wider adoption will depend on improved power supply, expanded charging networks, access to affordable financing and consistent government policies capable of attracting long-term investment into Nigeria’s emerging EV ecosystem.