EKA Mobility Launches First Electric Bus Fleet in Zanzibar, Plans to Expand to 150 Buses by End of 2026

Key Highlights

• EKA Mobility launched its first fleet of 15 electric buses in Zanzibar.

• Commercial operations will begin from August 1.

• Fleet size is expected to grow to 150 electric buses by the end of 2026.

• GRT and ZSSF will train local staff in operations, maintenance, software, and safety.

• The 12-metre electric buses are part of EKA Mobility's Africa expansion strategy.

EKA Mobility has officially entered the Zanzibar public transport market by flagging off its first fleet of electric buses. The inaugural fleet of 15 electric buses was launched by Zanzibar President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, marking an important step towards clean and sustainable public transportation on the island.

The electric buses will begin commercial operations from August 1, helping Zanzibar move towards a zero-emission public transport system.

Fleet Expansion Planned to Reach 150 Electric Buses

The first deployment is part of a larger electric mobility programme. EKA Mobility has already received an order for 35 electric buses, and the company expects the fleet to expand to 150 buses by the end of 2026.

According to the company, the project is designed to promote sustainable mobility while also creating new employment opportunities and strengthening technical skills in Zanzibar.

Local Training and Skill Development Underway

To ensure smooth operations, EKA Mobility is working with Global Rapid Transport (GRT) to provide training for local personnel. The training programme covers vehicle operations, maintenance, software systems, and safety practices.

The Zanzibar Social Security Fund (ZSSF), along with GRT, is also supporting the project by helping build local capabilities and ensuring operational readiness before the buses begin service.

12-Metre Electric Buses for Urban Public Transport

The buses deployed in Zanzibar are 12-metre electric buses built on EKA Mobility's dedicated electric vehicle platform. These buses have been designed specifically for urban public transport, offering a clean and efficient alternative to conventional diesel buses.

The Zanzibar deployment is also part of EKA Mobility's international expansion strategy, with Africa identified as one of the company's key export markets.

Senior Officials Attend Flag-Off Ceremony

The flag-off ceremony was attended by several senior dignitaries, including officials from the Government of Zanzibar, Bishwajit Dey, High Commissioner of India to Tanzania, representatives from ZSSF and GRT, along with senior executives from EKA Mobility.

EKA Mobility Sees Africa as a Key Growth Market

Speaking on the occasion, Vijay Yelne, President, Export Marketing & SCM, EKA Mobility, said that the launch of Zanzibar's first electric bus fleet shows that electric vehicles designed and manufactured in India can successfully meet the growing mobility needs of international markets.

He added that Africa is an important growth market in EKA Mobility's global expansion plans, and the company aims to strengthen its presence across the continent through future electric mobility projects.

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CMV360 Says

With the launch of its first electric bus fleet in Zanzibar, EKA Mobility has taken a significant step in expanding its global footprint. Beginning with 15 electric buses and targeting 150 buses by the end of 2026, the project supports sustainable public transport, creates local employment, develops technical skills, and further strengthens India's position as a growing exporter of electric commercial vehicles.