Electric Cargo Bikes Cut Emissions in Ghana

Fewer vehicles with internal combustion engines, and more green jobs with long-term prospects—these were the objectives of the project “Electric Cargo Bikes Made in Ghana”. Funding through the Medium Grants of the International Climate Initiative (IKI) made implementation possible.

As part of the project, electric cargo bikes and solar-powered charging systems were manufactured. In addition, dialogue formats with stakeholders were held to jointly advance sustainable mobility and green employment. The project was able to demonstrate in practical terms that electric cargo bikes tailored to the specific requirements of Ghana’s transport sector can be produced, operated and maintained locally.

In total, 17 electric cargo bikes were manufactured and tested, with a strong focus on the reuse of raw materials. On average, more than 65 per cent of the bikes consisted of locally sourced or recycled materials—evidence of the potential of Ghanaian craftsmanship and regional supply chains. The project generated valuable insights into component sourcing, frame manufacturing, battery solutions and the skills requirements needed to scale up local production.

Climate Action and Green Jobs

By integrating electric cargo bikes into last-mile delivery services, the IKI-funded project directly contributed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Ghana’s transport sector. The pilot bikes collectively covered over 65 000 kilometres, replacing conventional fossil-fuel-based transport and avoiding more than 5 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

At the same time, the project demonstrated the job creation potential of e-mobility. Twenty-four jobs were created through project activities, including technicians, artisans, delivery riders, and fellowships. Young professionals played a central role, supported through fellowships, technical trainings, and hands-on experience in e-bike production, maintenance, and operations.

To complement electric mobility operations, the project piloted a solar-powered battery charging and swapping station in Accra. Built partly from rehabilitated photovoltaic components, the mobile station illustrated how renewable energy and circularity can be combined to support e-mobility systems. Operators were trained in safe and efficient station management, laying the groundwork for future expansion of charging infrastructure.

A key outcome of the project is the validation of a subscription-based leasing model for electric cargo bikes tailored to last-mile delivery riders. Tested in cooperation with delivery platforms and riders, the model demonstrated strong acceptance and economic viability, even under changing market conditions. Riders highlighted reduced daily operating costs as a major benefit, underlining the income-enhancing potential of electric mobility.

Strengthening Awareness and the E-Mobility Ecosystem

Through the Net Zero Accra platform, the project significantly improved awareness and knowledge of electric mobility in Ghana. Two large public events brought together over 110 stakeholders from the private sector, academia, finance, civil society, and the e-mobility industry. Participants exchanged experiences, discussed barriers and opportunities, and showcased electric mobility solutions.

Key outcomes and policy-relevant insights were consolidated in an Impact Report, which provides recommendations for integrating electric cargo bikes into Ghana’s transport systems. The project also fostered regional exchange through collaboration with the Africa E-Mobility Alliance, embedding Ghana’s experience in a broader Pan-African context.

Sustainable Impact Beyond the Project

The project’s results continue to shape Ghana’s e-mobility ecosystem. Building on the pilots and partnerships established, electric cargo bikes are now being scaled by private sector actors, contributing to more than 300 electric cargo bikes operating in Accra today. This created over 400 green jobs in the delivery and the e-mobility sectors themselves, mainly for young people and women. These developments confirm the project’s role as an important catalyst for sustainable transport, green jobs, and climate action in Ghana.

About the IKI Medium Grants

With the IKI Medium Grants the German federal government supports projects for climate action and biodiversity conservation that particularly involve smaller civil society actors in developing and emerging countries. The IKI Medium Grants funding instruments is implemented by Zukunft – Umwelt – Gesellschaft (ZUG) gGmbH. Together with the IKI Large Grants and IKI Small Grants, the IKI Medium Grants complete the competitive funding instrument form IKI Compete.

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