Skills Needs Assessment for Public Transport Operators in eMobility in Rwanda

Rwanda is transitioning its public transport fleet to electric buses to meet its Vision 2050 goals and reduce emissions by 38% by 2030. The Study aims to assess workforce skills for e-Bus deployment, design the training modules, estimate budget for establishment of Centre of Excellence (CoE) and job projections for next 3 to 5 years to support the integration of e-buses, advancing Rwanda’s sustainable
transport goals.

Objective

The objective is to identify skill gaps and develop targeted training programs to prepare Rwanda’s public transport workforce for the transition to e-Mobility

Our Approach

Baseline Assessment

Analyzed the current public transport landscape, bus fleets, workforce capacities, and operational readiness for e-Bus adoption in Rwanda.

Framework for Skills Needs Assessment

Developed a structured questionnaire and e-Bus lifecycle framework to identify skills need across operational, technical, management roles and the focus group drivers, and technicians

Stakeholder Consultation

Engaged with operators (KBS, RITCO), e-Bus providers (BasiGO, IZI), and regulatory authorities (RURA, ATPR) and other supporting agencies to identify challenges and skill gaps for Rwanda’s e-Bus transition.

Skills Gap Assessment

Conducted an assessment of the skills for drivers' as well as technicians’ across relevant e-Bus lifecycle stages

Job Projections

Estimated workforce demand based on e-Bus fleet expansion, projecting the need for 500 drivers and 150 technicians (mechanical, electrical, and charging station) by 2030.

Training Module Design & Budget:

Developed targeted training modules for key roles: Drivers, Auto Technicians Electrical and Mechanical, and Charging Station Technicians supported by a detailed budget for training implementation and equipment for Centers of Excellence (CoE).

Outcome

Drivers:

Limited knowledge of e-Bus operations, energy management, and charging infrastructure.

Technicians:

Lack of specialized skills in e-Bus maintenance, battery management, and high-voltage electrical systems
Gaps in fleet management and integration of e-Bus technologies into existing transport systems.

Training Recommendations

Drivers: Comprehensive training on energy-efficient driving techniques, understanding dashboard indicators, and safe charging operations to enhance operational efficiency and ensure safety.
Auto Technicians Mechanical: Focused training on preventive maintenance, troubleshooting mechanical components unique to e-Buses, and integration of traditional mechanical systems with electric systems.
Auto Technicians Electrical: Specialized training in high-voltage systems, battery management, advanced diagnostics, and safe handling of electric powertrain components.
Charging Station Technicians: Training on charging infrastructure operation, maintenance, troubleshooting of charging equipment, and safety protocols for high-voltage systems.

Impact and Long-Term Outlook

Bridging skill gaps in e-Bus operations and maintenance will support Rwanda’s transition to e-mobility by improving service reliability and operational efficiency
Addressing these gaps ensures effective fleet management, creating jobs and fostering economic resilience in the green transport sector
The long-term benefits include reduced emissions, enhanced public transport services, and alignment with Rwanda’s sustainability goals.

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