This decision was announced by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Ambassador Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, who noted that the suspension of new licenses for petrol motorcycle taxi operators in Kigali has already begun to show positive outcomes.

Since January 2025, individuals who wish to start motorcycle taxi services in Kigali have been required to use electric motorcycles, as the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) no longer issues licenses for petrol-powered motorcycles.

According to Ambassador Uwihanganye, the government plans to extend this regulation to the entire country, meaning that no new petrol motorcycles will be allowed in Rwanda.

He explained that motorcycle transport in Rwanda is expected to become fully electric, especially in passenger transport services, and this policy will soon be applied nationwide.

He also highlighted that the electric motorcycle industry is growing steadily in Rwanda, supported by increasing investment from importers of electric motocycles as well as companies developing charging infrastructures.

He stated that although the sector is still developing, it has reached a stage where expansion is possible due to its progress and market growth.

Official data indicates that in 2025, more than 14,031 motorcycles were sold in Rwanda, representing a 28% increase compared to the previous year. A significant number of these were electric motorcycles, which have increased by 686% since their introduction, according to motorcyclesdata.

While existing petrol motorcycles will continue operating, no new petrol-powered motorcycles will be imported. This transition is part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly transport.