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Ghana is rapidly positioning itself as a leader in West Africa’s green transformation, leveraging strategic policy initiatives to foster a conducive environment for clean energy and sustainable mobility solutions.
With electricity access now reaching approximately 86% of the population—one of the highest rates in sub-Saharan Africa—the country has turned its attention to expanding renewable energy and developing a robust electric mobility ecosystem. These efforts are supported by a growing portfolio of policy frameworks aimed at attracting green investment and fostering private-sector innovation.
Ghana’s ambitious goal of increasing its renewable energy capacity from 1% to 10% by 2030 is already in motion. The country is home to West Africa’s largest floating solar plant, as well as several solar farms in the North that collectively produce up to 50 megawatts of power.
Simultaneously, Ghana is one of the few African countries advancing a national e-mobility policy. Through the Drive Electric Initiative, the government has introduced a roadmap for electric vehicle (EV) adoption, including charging infrastructure standards and import incentives for EVs such as buses—an important signal to investors that the country is serious about its green agenda.
Speaking to Techpoint Africa, Erik Nygard, CEO and Founder of Ghana-based energy startup Kofa, credited the country’s progressive stance as a key reason green technology ventures are gaining traction.
“The general policy landscape has been supportive of green tech and e-mobility for some time,” Nygard noted. “Even with changes in government, the commitment to clean mobility has remained consistent.”
Policy, But Also Practicality
While Ghana’s green policy frameworks are robust, Nygard admitted execution can be uneven. However, he highlighted the ease of engaging regulatory bodies like the Energy Commission as a major advantage for startups.
“The approval process is clear-cut. For example, to set up battery-swapping stations, companies simply notify relevant agencies—including the Energy Commission, local assemblies, and the fire service—and receive timely approvals,” he said.
This streamlined process has helped companies like Kofa get operational quickly, a rarity in many emerging markets.
Investment Interest on the Rise
Ghana’s proactive policies are drawing increasing attention from climate-conscious investors. According to Nygard, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and climate-focused venture capitalists are increasingly looking toward West Africa’s green sector, drawn by both impact potential and hardware-driven scalability.
Adoption Rooted in Economic Value
While environmental awareness is growing, Nygard emphasized that the primary driver of green product adoption in Ghana is economic advantage.
“Our battery-swapping service is cheaper than fueling a petrol motorcycle. That’s why it works. People adopt these technologies not for climate reasons, but because they save money,” he explained.
He added that although environmental considerations may influence purchasing decisions in more developed economies, in Africa, affordability and utility are paramount.
A Call to Action for African Policymakers
Nygard advised African governments to create enabling environments for green tech by implementing time-bound import duty waivers on EVs and batteries, provided they meet quality standards.
“A duty-free window of three to five years would significantly lower barriers and signal investor readiness,” he stated, citing Kenya’s off-peak charging discounts as another example of smart, scalable policy.
Ultimately, Ghana’s model underscores how coherent policy, regulatory support, and clear economic benefits can collectively drive green innovation. As climate finance gains momentum globally, Ghana offers a compelling blueprint for other African nations aiming to build resilient and sustainable economies.
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