EKA Mobility has marked its entry into Zanzibar’s public transport sector by flagging off the island nation’s first fleet of electric buses. The inaugural ceremony was led by Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar, with commercial operations scheduled to commence on August 1, 2026.
The initial deployment includes 15 fully electric 12-metre buses, making them the first electric buses to operate in Zanzibar’s public transport network. The rollout forms part of a larger electrification programme, with 35 buses already ordered and plans to expand the fleet to 150 electric buses by the end of 2026.
According to EKA Mobility, the initiative is aimed at supporting Zanzibar’s transition towards zero-emission public transportation while reducing carbon emissions and strengthening sustainable urban mobility.
Speaking on the development, Vijay Yelne, President – Export Marketing & Supply Chain Management, EKA Mobility, said the deployment highlights the company’s capability to deliver Indian-developed electric mobility solutions to international markets. He added that the project also reflects the growing importance of Africa in EKA Mobility’s global expansion strategy.
Beyond vehicle deployment, EKA Mobility is partnering with Global Rapid Transport (GRT) to develop a local electric mobility ecosystem. The collaboration includes training programmes for local personnel covering vehicle operations, maintenance, software systems and safety, helping establish the technical expertise required to support the fleet over the long term.
The company also noted that the Zanzibar Social Security Fund (ZSSF) and GRT are contributing to workforce development and operational readiness as part of the broader partnership.
Built on EKA Mobility’s dedicated electric vehicle platform, the 12-metre buses are designed to deliver zero tailpipe emissions, improved energy efficiency and enhanced passenger comfort, supporting the island’s shift towards cleaner and more sustainable public transportation.
