Abstract

The transition to electric mobility (e-mobility) presents significant economic, environmental, and social opportunities for Nigeria. As the country seeks to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and cut greenhouse gas emissions, e-mobility emerges as a key solution for sustainable transportation. However, despite its potential, women remain significantly underrepresented in this sector due to a combination of financial constraints, policy barriers, and a lack of technical expertise.

This policy brief is based on insights from the EV World Africa International Women’s Day Webinar, which convened policymakers, industry leaders, financial experts, and entrepreneurs to explore strategies for increasing women’s participation in e-mobility. The discussion highlighted major structural challenges, including limited access to finance, inadequate policy support, gender-biased investment trends, and workforce disparities. Additionally, opportunities for women in two-, three-, and four-wheelers, industry associations, and technology-driven solutions were examined.

Statistical data underscores the urgency of this issue: women constitute only 20% of Nigeria’s transport workforce, and less than 10% of African e-mobility businesses are women-led. Furthermore, only 1% of venture capital funding is directed toward women in transport, exacerbating the financial disparity.

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of these findings, presents data-driven insights, and proposes actionable policy recommendations to bridge gender disparities in Nigeria’s e-mobility sector. These recommendations include financial inclusion strategies, regulatory reforms, skills development programs, and targeted infrastructure investments to empower women in the industry. By implementing these measures, Nigeria can unlock the full economic potential of e-mobility while fostering an inclusive and gender-balanced transportation ecosystem.

Executive Summary

Despite Nigeria’s increasing shift toward sustainable transportation, women remain significantly underrepresented in the e-mobility sector. Structural barriers, including limited access to finance, gender-insensitive policies, technological constraints, and socio-cultural biases, continue to hinder their full participation. Addressing these challenges is essential for ensuring an inclusive and equitable transition to e-mobility in Nigeria.

This policy brief provides a comprehensive assessment of the obstacles women face in the e-mobility industry, drawing on insights from the EV World Africa International Women’s Day Webinar. The discussion examined key issues, including financial disparities in funding for women-led businesses, policy gaps in transport and energy regulations, workforce underrepresentation, and challenges in technology adoption. The paper also explores existing best practices from other countries, highlighting strategies that have successfully increased women’s participation in sustainable mobility.

Key findings from the webinar include:

• Financial Barriers: Women in Nigeria face limited access to capital, with only 1% of venture capital funding allocated to women-led transport startups.
• Employment Gaps: Women make up only 20% of Nigeria’s transport workforce, limiting their role in leadership and technical positions.
• Lack of Policy Support: Current national transportation and energy policies lack gender-responsive provisions, failing to promote women’s participation in e-mobility.
• Technological Constraints: The absence of adequate charging infrastructure, affordable EV options, and skill development programs restricts women’s adoption and career growth in e-mobility.

Key Data and Statistics

• Women make up only 20% of Nigeria’s transport workforce (National Bureau of Statistics, 2024).
• Less than 10% of e-mobility businesses in Africa are women-led (Africa E-Mobility Report, 2023).
• Only 1% of venture capital funding goes to women in the transport sector (Nigerian Investment Authority, 2024).
• 95.7% of Nigeria’s 11.7 million registered vehicles still rely on fossil fuels (Federal Road Safety Corps, 2024).
• By 2030, the e-mobility sector is projected to generate $21 billion in revenue (Nigeria Energy Transition Plan, 2022).

Introduction

The global push for sustainable transportation has positioned electric mobility (e-mobility) as a critical pillar of economic and environmental policy. Governments and industries worldwide are investing heavily in electrification strategies to reduce carbon emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and promote cleaner urban mobility. As Nigeria navigates its energy transition, e-mobility has emerged as a viable solution for reducing the country’s dependency on fossil fuels while unlocking new economic opportunities. However, despite its growth potential, women remain largely underrepresented in this space, facing challenges such as limited financial access, gender biases in policy frameworks, and insufficient training in e-mobility technologies.

To address these disparities, EV World Africa, in collaboration with Aspire Climate Vanguard, convened a high-level International Women’s Day Webinar on March 10, 2025. The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, financial experts, and entrepreneurs to examine the role of women in Nigeria’s e-mobility ecosystem. Discussions focused on identifying key challenges, exploring opportunities, and formulating actionable recommendations to advance gender inclusion in the sector.

This policy brief synthesises key insights from the webinar, highlighting six critical areas that influence women’s participation in e-mobility:

• Finance & Investment: Addressing funding gaps for women entrepreneurs in the e-mobility sector.
• 2-, 3-, and 4-Wheelers: Enhancing women’s access to and participation in vehicle adoption and operations.
• Opportunities for Women: Expanding skills development, entrepreneurship, and career growth in the industry.
• Policy & Regulation: Strengthening gender-inclusive policies to support women’s involvement in e-mobility.
• Industry Association Role: Evaluating the contribution of the E-Mobility Promoters Association of Nigeria (EMPAN) in advancing gender diversity.
• Technology: Assessing the role of technology in accelerating e-mobility adoption among women.

By addressing these key areas, Nigeria can harness the transformative potential of e-mobility while ensuring that women play an integral role in shaping the future of sustainable transportation.

Key Discussion Areas

1. Finance & Investment: Addressing Barriers to Funding

Women entrepreneurs in Nigeria’s e-mobility sector face systemic financial challenges that limit their ability to scale businesses, adopt new technologies, and participate effectively in the green transport transition. Key barriers include limited access to capital, gender bias in lending, and inadequate financial literacy. Many women struggle to meet the collateral and credit history requirements for securing loans, and high-interest rates further deter investment in female-led e-mobility ventures.

Policy Recommendations:

• Expand gender-sensitive financing models such as grants, micro-loans, and low-interest credit lines to support women in e-mobility.
• Establish a National Women’s E-Mobility Investment Fund to provide dedicated financial support for female entrepreneurs in green transport.
• Mandate gender quotas in green transport investments, ensuring that financial institutions allocate a percentage of their e-mobility funding to women-led ventures.
• Increase government-backed grant programs for women-led clean mobility enterprises.
• Foster public-private partnerships to create tailored financial products that meet the needs of women in e-mobility.
• Develop financial literacy programs and capacity-building initiatives to equip women with the skills needed to access and manage investment capital effectively.

2. 2-, 3-, and 4-Wheelers: Women’s Adoption and Operations

The adoption of electric 2-, 3-, and 4-wheelers in Nigeria remains significantly low, particularly among women. While e-mobility offers economic and environmental benefits, multiple barriers hinder women’s participation in vehicle ownership, fleet operations, and commercial driving within this sector.

Key Barriers:

• High Cost of EVs: The initial cost of electric two-, three-, and four-wheelers is considerably higher than their fossil-fuel counterparts, making affordability a major constraint for women entrepreneurs and drivers.
• Limited Access to Charging Infrastructure: The lack of widespread charging stations and battery-swapping facilities in both urban and rural areas discourages women from adopting electric vehicles.
• Safety and Cultural Concerns: Women face security risks when operating vehicles in public transport services, and cultural stereotypes continue to limit their engagement in commercial driving.
• Knowledge and Training Gaps: Women often lack access to technical training in EV maintenance, charging operations, and sustainable transport business models, making entry into the sector difficult.
• Limited Financing Options for Vehicle Purchase: High-interest rates on auto loans, low access to credit, and the absence of tailored financing schemes for women restrict their ability to invest in electric vehicle ownership or fleet operations.

Policy Recommendations:

• Introduce Incentives for Women in E-Mobility: Establish tax breaks, grants, and subsidies specifically for women entrepreneurs and drivers entering the e-mobility sector.
• Expand Charging and Battery-Swapping Infrastructure: Strengthen public-private partnerships to increase the availability of fast-charging stations and battery-swapping hubs, particularly in underserved areas where women operate.
• Develop Training Programs and Skills Certification: Implement nationwide training initiatives that provide women with the necessary skills in EV driving, maintenance, and fleet management.
• Promote Women-Friendly Financing Schemes: Encourage microfinance institutions and development banks to provide low-interest loans and flexible payment plans for women purchasing electric vehicles.
• Ensure Safe Work Environments for Women: Introduce women-friendly policies in the ride-hailing and transport sectors, including secure parking and charging zones, emergency response systems, and gender-inclusive transport regulations.
• Raise Awareness and Break Cultural Stereotypes: Launch advocacy campaigns promoting women’s participation in the e-mobility workforce, demonstrating the economic and environmental advantages of inclusive transport systems.

3. Opportunities for Women: Skills, Entrepreneurship, and Career Growth

The e-mobility sector presents numerous economic and professional opportunities for women in Nigeria, yet their participation remains low due to structural barriers. Expanding skills development, entrepreneurship support, and career growth pathways is essential for ensuring that women play a meaningful role in the green transport revolution.

Key Barriers:

• Underrepresentation in Technical Fields: Women constitute only 22% of engineering graduates in Nigeria (Ministry of Education, 2023), limiting their access to technical roles in the e-mobility sector.
• Lack of Mentorship and Industry Linkages: Women in Nigeria’s transport sector often lack mentorship opportunities, making it difficult to transition into leadership roles or establish successful e-mobility enterprises.
• Limited Access to Technical Training: A significant gap exists in formal training programs that equip women with hands-on experience in EV technology, battery systems, and charging infrastructure.

Policy Recommendations:

• Launch Vocational Training and Certification Programs: Develop structured technical and business training programs in collaboration with academic institutions, industry leaders, and government agencies to build women’s expertise in EV technology, fleet management, and sustainable transport operations.
• Establish Mentorship and Networking Platforms: Create industry mentorship programs that connect women with experienced professionals, investors, and policymakers, fostering career growth and business development.
• Encourage Women-Led Startups through Incubation Initiatives: Provide grants, seed funding, and business development support for women-led e-mobility ventures, ensuring their sustainability and scalability.
• Develop a National E-Mobility Skills Development Program with a 50% Women Quota: Introduce government-backed programs that prioritise women’s participation in workforce development, ensuring gender balance in e-mobility-related jobs.
• Provide Scholarships and Apprenticeships: Offer targeted scholarships and apprenticeships for women pursuing STEM education and careers in the transport sector, particularly in EV design, battery technology, and charging infrastructure.
• Mandate Corporate Apprenticeships in E-Mobility Companies: Require major e-mobility firms and transport agencies to allocate apprenticeship slots for female graduates, ensuring greater participation in hands-on learning and workforce integration.

4. Policy & Regulation: Addressing Gender-Inclusive Gaps

Nigeria’s current transport and energy policies lack a gender-responsive framework that supports and encourages women’s participation in the e-mobility sector. Without deliberate policy interventions, women continue to face systemic barriers in accessing opportunities, securing funding, and operating within the industry.

Key Barriers:

• Absence of Gender-Specific Provisions in Transport Policies: Existing transport regulations fail to account for the unique mobility patterns, needs, and safety concerns of women.
• Limited Government Incentives for Women Entrepreneurs: Women-led businesses in sustainable mobility receive little or no targeted financial support, limiting their ability to scale.
• Inadequate Safety Policies for Women: There is a lack of structured safety measures in public and private transport, discouraging women from actively participating in e-mobility.
• Workplace Discrimination in Transport-Related Sectors: Women remain underrepresented in leadership roles within Nigeria’s transport and energy sectors, often facing gender bias in hiring and promotion.

Policy Recommendations:

• Introduce Gender-Specific E-Mobility Subsidies and Financing Programs: Provide grants, tax incentives, and low-interest loans to women-led businesses in sustainable transportation.
• Enforce Workplace Policies that Ensure Equal Employment Opportunities: Implement gender-inclusive hiring policies in transport ministries, agencies, and private mobility firms.
• Establish a National Framework for Gender-Responsive Transport Policies: Mandate gender representation in transport decision-making bodies and policymaking committees.
• Incorporate Gender-Responsive Transport Policies in the National Energy Transition Plan: Ensure women’s inclusion in EV infrastructure planning, workforce development, and transport electrification projects.
• Create Tax Exemptions and Subsidies for Women-Led E-Mobility Businesses: Offer tax relief to female entrepreneurs investing in EV manufacturing, ride-hailing, and charging infrastructure.
• Mandate Increased Female Workforce Quotas in the Transport Sector: Require public and private transportation entities to increase female employment quotas and create leadership development programs for women.

5. Industry Association Role: EMPAN’s Contributions

The Electric-Mobility Promoters Association of Nigeria (EMPAN) plays a pivotal role in driving the development of the e-mobility sector in Nigeria. As an industry body, EMPAN serves as an advocate for policy reforms, a facilitator for industry collaborations, and a key driver of gender inclusion in sustainable transportation. Recognising the barriers women face in e-mobility, EMPAN has taken proactive steps to address these challenges through various initiatives.

Existing Efforts

• Advocacy for Gender-Inclusive Policies: EMPAN actively engages with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders to advocate for gender-responsive policies that create opportunities for women in e-mobility.
• Capacity-Building Programs: EMPAN has launched targeted training programs aimed at equipping women with the technical and business skills needed to thrive in the e-mobility industry.
• Networking and Industry Engagement: The association regularly organises events, workshops, and forums that bring together women professionals, industry leaders, and policymakers to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: MPAN runs campaigns to raise awareness about women’s role in e-mobility, promoting inclusive workforce participation and investment in women-led mobility enterprises.

EMPAN’s Key Initiatives

• Capacity-Building Programs for Women in E-Mobility: EMPAN partners with academic institutions, technical training centres, and industry experts to develop specialised training programs in areas such as EV maintenance, battery technology, and fleet management.
• Industry Networking and Professional Development: Through mentorship programs, industry roundtables, and networking platforms, EMPAN helps connect women professionals with investment opportunities, job placements, and leadership roles in e-mobility.
• Advocacy for Gender-Responsive Policies in Transport and Clean Energy: EMPAN collaborates with government agencies and international organisations to shape policies that ensure equal access to funding, technical training, and market opportunities for women in e-mobility.
• Partnerships with Financial Institutions for Gender-Specific Investment Programs: EMPAN engages with banks, microfinance institutions, and venture capital firms to advocate for the creation of women-focused investment funds, low-interest loans, and grant schemes for female entrepreneurs in e-mobility.

Recommended Actions

• Expand EMPAN’s Advocacy Efforts to Include Gender-Specific Funding Policies: Advocate for the establishment of a Women’s Green Transport Investment Fund to provide tailored financing solutions for women in e-mobility.
• Strengthen Partnerships with Academic Institutions to Increase Female Participation: Collaborate with universities, vocational training centres, and research institutions to integrate e-mobility training modules in STEM and business programs targeted at women.
• Scale Up Mentorship Programs for Women in E-Mobility Businesses: Develop a national mentorship framework that connects aspiring women entrepreneurs and professionals with industry experts, investors, and policymakers.
• Launch Incubation Hubs for Women-Led E-Mobility Startups: Work with private and public stakeholders to establish business incubators that provide women with technical support, funding access, and market entry strategies in the e-mobility space.
• Develop a Nationwide Public Awareness Strategy: Engage media platforms, advocacy groups, and policymakers to promote the importance of gender diversity in sustainable transport through strategic communication campaigns.

6. Technology: Driving the Adoption of E-Mobility for Women

Technological advancements in battery efficiency, charging infrastructure, and digital solutions are critical in accelerating women’s participation in e-mobility. Access to affordable and reliable technology can empower women to adopt, operate, and invest in the e-mobility sector, yet several barriers persist.

Key Barriers:

• Lack of Adequate Charging Infrastructure: Insufficient availability of fast-charging stations and battery-swapping hubs limits the adoption of electric vehicles, particularly in rural areas.
• High Import Costs for EV Components: Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported electric vehicle parts and batteries increases costs, making EV ownership unaffordable for many women entrepreneurs and operators.
• Range Anxiety and Battery Limitations: Concerns over limited driving range, slow charging speeds, and the absence of real-time battery monitoring systems discourage women from participating in the sector.
• Limited Digital Tools for Fleet Management: Women-run mobility businesses lack access to data-driven platforms for tracking battery health, energy consumption, and charging station availability.

Policy Recommendations:

• Expand Charging and Battery-Swapping Infrastructure: Establish government-funded and private sector-supported fast-charging networks in both urban and rural areas to ensure accessibility for women operators.
• Introduce Incentives for Local Production of EV Batteries and Components: Reduce import dependency by supporting local manufacturing of battery technologies, charging equipment, and spare parts, making EVs more affordable.
• Develop Digital Platforms for Battery and Charging Station Monitoring: Implement AI-driven and mobile-friendly platforms that allow women drivers and fleet operators to track battery performance, locate charging stations, and optimise energy use.
• Support Women-Led Tech Startups in E-Mobility: Provide grants and venture capital funding for women developing innovative digital solutions in EV fleet management, smart charging networks, and predictive maintenance technologies.
• Incorporate E-Mobility Technology Training in STEM Education: Partner with universities, polytechnics, and vocational schools to introduce e-mobility technology courses, ensuring women acquire relevant skills in battery engineering, vehicle diagnostics, and energy management.
• Encourage Smart Grid Integration and Renewable Energy Solutions: Promote the integration of EV charging infrastructure with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, reducing energy costs and environmental impact.

Conclusion

The EV World Africa IWD Webinar provided critical insights into the barriers and opportunities for women in Nigeria’s e-mobility sector. While challenges persist in areas such as finance, policy, technology adoption, infrastructure, and workforce participation, the discussions highlighted strategic interventions that can drive greater inclusion and equity.

Key takeaways from the webinar underscore the need for gender-sensitive financial mechanisms, policy reforms, targeted skills development programs, and enhanced infrastructure investments to empower women in the e-mobility space. By bridging gender gaps, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of women-led businesses, drive sustainable transportation growth, and accelerate the country’s transition to a cleaner, more inclusive economy.

A multi-stakeholder approach is necessary to create an enabling environment where women can thrive as entrepreneurs, operators, and policymakers in the green mobility transition. Governments, private sector players, financial institutions, industry associations, and civil society organisations must work collaboratively to implement concrete solutions that remove structural barriers and create a gender-equitable e-mobility ecosystem.

By taking decisive actions outlined in this report—ranging from financial incentives and training programs to regulatory reforms and technology-driven solutions—Nigeria can lead the way in fostering a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable e-mobility sector. The future of clean transportation must be equitable, diverse, and driven by the full participation of women in shaping Nigeria’s green mobility revolution.

Call to Action

To close the gender gap in e-mobility, a multi-stakeholder approach is essential. Policymakers, financial institutions, industry leaders, and civil society organisations must collaborate to create a more inclusive and sustainable e-mobility ecosystem. Implementing gender-sensitive policies, financial support mechanisms, capacity-building initiatives, and infrastructure improvements will drive meaningful change and position women as key players in Nigeria’s green transport future.

Key Actions for Stakeholders:

• Government: Implement gender-responsive transport and energy policies, ensuring that national development plans integrate women’s participation in e-mobility.
• Policymakers: Design and enforce gender-sensitive transport regulations, including financial incentives and employment policies that promote women’s engagement in the sector.
• Financial Institutions: Expand funding access for women in e-mobility by developing gender-specific investment schemes, microfinance options, and low-interest credit facilities.
• Industry Stakeholders: Provide training, mentorship, and career advancement programs for women in e-mobility, including leadership development initiatives.
• Private Sector: Invest in women-led e-mobility startups, support women-friendly workplace policies, and drive inclusive hiring practices across the industry.
• Academia & NGOs: Develop educational curricula focused on women in sustainable transport, and partner on research, training, and advocacy initiatives to strengthen gender equity in e-mobility.

By taking these bold and strategic steps, Nigeria can build a sustainable, inclusive, and economically viable e-mobility industry that empowers women, fosters innovation, and accelerates national development.