Zanzibar, Tanzania, July 24, 2026: Indian electric commercial vehicle manufacturer EKA Mobility has expanded its global footprint with the official launch of Zanzibar’s first public electric bus fleet. The company flagged off its state-of-the-art 12-metre electric buses during a ceremony led by Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar, marking a major step in the island’s transition towards sustainable public transportation.

The first fleet of EKA Mobility electric buses will begin commercial operations on August 1, 2026, introducing zero-emission public transport services in Zanzibar for the first time.

The deployment is part of a larger electric mobility initiative that has already seen an order for 35 electric buses, with plans to expand the fleet to 150 EKA electric buses by the end of 2026. The project aims to reduce transport-related emissions while generating employment opportunities and building technical expertise within the local community.

EKA Mobility Eyes Africa as a Key Growth Market

Commenting on the milestone, Vijay Yelne, President – Export Marketing & SCM, EKA Mobility, said the Zanzibar project highlights the company’s ability to deliver world-class electric mobility solutions beyond India.

“The launch of Zanzibar’s first electric bus fleet is a strong validation of EKA’s technology and our ability to deliver world-class electric mobility solutions beyond India. It demonstrates that products designed and manufactured in India can successfully meet the evolving mobility needs of international markets. This is another step in taking Indian engineering to the world, and we see Africa as a key growth market in EKA’s global expansion journey.”

The launch ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Government of Zanzibar, Bishwajit Dey, High Commissioner of India to Tanzania, representatives from the Zanzibar Social Security Fund (ZSSF), Global Rapid Transport (GRT), and senior executives from EKA Mobility.

Local Training and Skill Development

As part of its long-term partnership in Zanzibar, EKA Mobility is collaborating with Global Rapid Transport (GRT) to train local personnel in electric bus operations, maintenance, software systems, and safety protocols. The initiative is designed to create a self-sustaining electric mobility ecosystem while supporting long-term operational success.

Meanwhile, the Zanzibar Social Security Fund (ZSSF), together with GRT, has launched several programmes focused on local capacity building and operational preparedness.

Made-in-India Electric Buses for Global Markets

The deployment further strengthens EKA Mobility’s international expansion strategy while reinforcing India’s growing reputation as a global manufacturing hub for advanced electric commercial vehicles.

Built on EKA Mobility’s next-generation electric vehicle platform, the 12-metre electric buses offer zero tailpipe emissions, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced passenger comfort, making them well-suited for modern urban public transport networks.