Volkswagen has signed a memorandum of understanding with the government of Rwanda for the implementation of an integrated mobility concept.

The concept provides for app-based mobility solutions such as car sharing and ride hailing to be offered in Rwanda. For this purpose, an environmentally compatible local vehicle production facility will be established in the capital city Kigali to cover vehicle demand for the integrated mobility concept. In addition, possibilities of training initiatives for the local population are being investigated together with other German companies. Rwanda is well-suited to be a pioneer of new mobility solutions as it has a population of young tech-savvy people and its capital Kigali is seen as the most connected city in Africa.

The concept includes app-based mobility solutions, such as car sharing and ride hailing services, as well as the establishment of a local production facility in accordance with the environmental standards of Volkswagen’s Think Blue Factory initiative. The vehicles required for the new mobility solutions in Rwanda are to be taken entirely from local production. Volkswagen South Africa is forging ahead with this initiative in Rwanda together with Volkswagen’s Kenyan partner DT Dobie based on current experience from the establishment of production in Kenya, according to Volkswagen.

Volkswagen said its commitment to Rwanda also includes the training of local people. The possibility of cooperation for the establishment of a technical academy is being investigated together with other German companies. In the long term, the objective is to generate employment, know-how transfer and sustainable growth.

Volkswagen added that other factors that make Rwanda well suited to the integrated mobility concept includes it’s young, tech savvy population and country’s commitment to sustainable energy production.