From Petrol to Power: UDSM Research Drives Electric Mobility for Young Riders
By Selemani Nambimbi, CMU
For years, every working day for Joseph began with buying fuel before picking up his first passenger.
Rising fuel prices and frequent repairs meant much of his income as a boda-boda rider went into keeping his motorcycle on the road.
Today, Joseph starts his day differently. He simply unplugs his fully charged electric tuk-tuk and heads to work with lower operating costs and a quieter, cleaner ride.
Joseph is among the beneficiaries of a research project led by the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) School of Economics, under Prof. Jehovaness Aikaeli, with support from Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC).
The project aims to help young transport operators in Tanzania and Uganda transition from fuel-powered motorcycles and tricycles to electric vehicles.
To overcome financing barriers, the research team partnered with TRi Tanzania and CRDB Bank, mentoring riders, connecting them with suppliers, and supporting them through the loan application process.
“They didn’t just tell me to change. They helped me see that it was possible. They came with me to the bank,” Joseph says.
The transition has significantly reduced Joseph’s fuel and maintenance costs, allowing him to earn more from his daily work. His passengers have also embraced the change, with many expressing excitement about electric transport.
By January 2026, four participants had fully transitioned to electric tuk-tuks, with more financing already approved and additional support expected through WATU Credit for riders shifting to electric motorcycles.
The project is also expanding its research to Uganda, where the team is documenting riders’ experiences and generating evidence to inform policies that support clean transportation across East Africa.
For Joseph, the impact is clear.
“My neighbours ask me about it every week now. They want to know how I managed it”, he says.
His answer is simple: it all started with the University of Dar es Salaam School of Economics, where research is creating practical solutions that improve livelihoods while advancing sustainable transport.