An Indian electric vehicle startup, PlugNRide, has completed the construction of its first African assembly plant in Dar es Salaam, marking a major milestone in its international expansion. Located in Tanzania, the facility will manufacture electric two- and three-wheelers designed specifically to meet local transport needs.
The company has announced plans to soon launch its complete range of products in the Tanzanian market, targeting commuters, delivery operators, and small businesses seeking affordable and environmentally friendly mobility solutions. By producing vehicles locally, PlugNRide aims to reduce costs, improve supply chains, and strengthen its presence in East Africa.
PlugNRide joins a growing list of foreign original equipment manufacturers setting up EV assembly plants across the continent. These companies typically import semi-knocked-down and completely-knocked-down kits, which attract lower import duties than fully built vehicles, making local assembly more financially viable.
Despite these developments, Tanzania has received less attention from EV investors compared with regional peers such as Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Rwanda. Limited policy incentives and uneven demand have slowed market growth.
Nevertheless, PlugNRide’s new factory reflects rising confidence in Tanzania’s long-term electric mobility potential and signals increasing India–Africa cooperation in the automotive sector.
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