From Rwanda to Ecuador, these women are leading the shift to electric transport
The pilot project trained and licensed women drivers through partnerships with local logistics companies, such as Grupo Entregas, a Fedex licensee that reduced its carbon footprint by 10 per cent.
“We are convinced that changing the mobility business model is necessary and urgent,” says Maria Paulina Romo, president of Grupo Entregas.
Meanwhile, startups in Argentina and Colombia are developing environmentally friendly transport options, including for residents with disabilities, with support from SolutionsPlus. Montevideo, Uruguay, now boasts a network of charging stations supporting the growing number of electric vehicles navigating its streets.
In Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 43 electric three-wheelers and 16 pedal-assist bicycles were introduced, and 45 people were trained in assembly and repairs.
In Hanoi, Viet Nam, SolutionsPlus helped introduce 50 electric mopeds and train 150 drivers—nearly half of them women. Diesel buses were converted into electric vehicles in Kathmandu, Nepal. Meanwhile, in Pasig, Philippines, electric four-wheelers, known as quadricycles, now deliver the mail and collect rubbish.
“With projects like SolutionsPlus we are not just introducing and testing new technologies. We’re cultivating entire ecosystems to support a shift to sustainable mobility,” says UNEP’s De Jong.
Perhaps the most dramatic transformation is taking place in Rwanda. With support from UNEP, Kigali, home to 1.7 million people, has created an electric vehicle charging framework, introduced a bicycle-sharing network, and rolled out a fleet of electric buses. It has focused on creating economic opportunities for people living in poverty and women.
That work culminated recently in a precedent-setting decision: in January 2025, Kigali halted the registration of petrol motorcycles for public transport, allowing only electric motorbikes.
That is music to the ears of Nsanzingoma Marie Josie, 30. A single mother and former cook, she became an electric motorcycle taxi driver after taking a course offered through SolutionsPlus partner Ampersand.
After paying off her vehicle through a rent-to-own programme, she plans to start her own delivery company that uses electric motorcycles.
“The lessons learned here will be invaluable in shaping a cleaner, zero-carbon and more inclusive urban transport landscape for the future,” says UNEP’s De Jong.
UNEP’s Global Electric Mobility Programme supports over 60 countries in the Global South with US$130 million in grants to transition away from fossil fuels in the transportation sector.
Distribution channels: Environment
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Submit your press release