Kinshasa Embraces Green Mobility with Vingroup Partnership
Kinshasa, the bustling capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is set to undergo a significant transformation in its urban transportation landscape. A landmark trilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the City of Kinshasa, Vingroup, and local partner Exposure SARL. This comprehensive agreement lays the groundwork for developing a modern, sustainable, and accessible urban transport system, marking a crucial step in modernising infrastructure and accelerating the green transition within the city.
The core of this collaboration lies in the joint effort to study and promote the adoption of VinFast’s fully electric vehicles. This includes a diverse range of electric transport options such as buses, cars, and scooters, all designed to cater to the evolving needs of Kinshasa and its residents. Beyond vehicle deployment, the partnership is committed to building a robust electric mobility ecosystem. This encompasses the crucial development of charging infrastructure and the establishment of reliable after-sales services, ensuring a seamless transition for users.
A Multifaceted Approach to Greening Transportation
The initiative aims to modernise and “green” Kinshasa’s transportation system across several key areas:
- Public Transport Services: A significant focus will be on electrifying public bus fleets, offering a cleaner and more efficient way for citizens to commute.
- Government and Civil Servant Mobility: The agreement will also explore providing electric vehicle solutions for government officials and civil servants, setting an example for sustainable practices.
- General Public Transportation Options: The broader public will benefit from increased access to electric mobility solutions, fostering wider adoption and reducing the carbon footprint of personal travel.
Under the MoU, each party brings specific expertise and responsibilities to the table. Vingroup, through its electric vehicle subsidiary VinFast, will be instrumental in providing detailed commercial and technical proposals for the proposed vehicle fleets. This includes outlining specifications for buses, cars, and scooters.
Exposure SARL will take the lead in developing a comprehensive preliminary business plan. This plan will cover both vehicle procurement and the essential infrastructure development required. Furthermore, Exposure will be responsible for navigating the necessary local administrative and legal procedures for importing, distributing, and operating these new mobility solutions.
The City of Kinshasa has pledged to review and propose incentive mechanisms designed to encourage the widespread adoption of green mobility. These incentives are expected to encompass tax policies, the establishment of supportive regulatory frameworks, and facilitating access to infrastructure. A designated focal authority within the city will also be appointed to oversee and manage the operations of the electric bus fleet, ensuring efficient deployment and maintenance.
Ambitious Rollout and Ecosystem Development
The initial phase of this ambitious project, slated to run until the end of Q1 2026, outlines a clear roadmap for concluding formal contracts. This roadmap sets forth significant targets for vehicle deployment:
- Electric Buses: VinFast is expected to supply approximately 500 electric buses for public fleet operations in Kinshasa.
- Electric Cars: A substantial fleet of 1,000 electric cars is planned for public use within the same timeframe.
- Market Introduction: Beyond public fleets, VinFast and Exposure aim to implement supply and distribution agreements to introduce a significant volume of vehicles to the local market. This includes an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 electric cars and a substantial 50,000 to 100,000 VinFast electric scooters.
To ensure the successful integration and widespread use of these electric vehicles, the parties are committed to developing a comprehensive green ecosystem. This includes:
- Extensive Charging Station Network: A key priority is the development of a widespread network of charging stations across the city, ensuring convenient access for EV owners.
- Authorized Service Workshop System: A network of authorised service workshops will be established to provide maintenance and repair services, guaranteeing the longevity and reliability of the electric vehicle fleet.
Commitment to Sustainability and Human Capital
Vingroup has reiterated its deep commitment to sustainable development and fostering positive local impact. This commitment extends to crucial areas such as knowledge transfer and human resource development. Initiatives planned include:
- Training Programs: Comprehensive training will be provided for drivers, technicians, and on-site operations personnel, equipping the local workforce with the skills needed to manage and maintain electric vehicles and infrastructure.
- Technical Design Support: Vingroup will offer technical design support for the development of electrified transportation infrastructure, ensuring best practices and efficiency.
Exposure SARL will conduct thorough technical and economic assessments of the proposed charging network and vehicle maintenance facilities. Meanwhile, the City of Kinshasa has committed to crucial foundational support, including:
- Land Allocation: The city will facilitate the allocation of land for project development.
- Charging Station Locations: Identifying suitable locations for charging stations will be a key responsibility.
- Reliable Power Supply: Ensuring a consistent and reliable power supply is vital for the charging infrastructure.
Vision for a Modern and Livable Kinshasa
Jésus-Noël SHEKE WA DOMENE, Provincial Minister of Planning, Budget, Public Service, Employment, Tourism, Transport and Urban Mobility, representing the City of Kinshasa, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. He stated, “The City of Kinshasa highly values our cooperation with Vingroup in advancing green and smart mobility solutions. This is a strategic step aligned with the city’s sustainable urban development vision, aiming to reduce environmental impacts, improve transportation infrastructure, and deliver long-term benefits to our citizens. We believe this partnership will help transform Kinshasa into a dynamic, modern, and livable city in the region.”
Mrs. Phuong NGUYEN, General Director of Vingroup Africa, shared Vingroup’s perspective: “Vingroup is honored to partner with the City of Kinshasa on the journey toward building a modern, civilized, and sustainable living environment. The deployment of green and smart mobility solutions will not only gradually transform Kinshasa’s urban transportation landscape, but also create long-term, tangible value by improving quality of life for residents and supporting the city in achieving its future sustainable development goals.”
This electric mobility initiative is not the first collaboration between Vingroup and the Government of Kinshasa. The two entities previously signed an MoU to explore large-scale urban development projects. This prior agreement involved studying and developing a significant riverside urban project spanning approximately 6,300 hectares, strategically positioned within the capital’s urban expansion plans. This ambitious mega urban development is envisioned to encompass a wide array of facilities, including residential areas, hospitals, schools, shopping centres, hotels, entertainment complexes, and future government offices, aiming to establish a new tourism destination and a landmark of Kinshasa’s progress.
These strategic agreements underscore Vingroup’s expanding international vision and its commitment to pioneering green mobility solutions globally. They also serve to deepen economic cooperation between Vietnam and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as both nations actively pursue pathways towards green growth and sustainable development.
Vingroup, Vietnam’s largest private conglomerate, operates across six key sectors: Industrials & Technology, Real Estate & Services, Infrastructure, Green Energy, Culture, and Social Enterprises, all guided by its mission to “Create a Better Life for People.” With a proven track record and significant scale, Vingroup continues to broaden its global presence. The Group’s commitment to sustainable development and innovation was recently recognised by TIME magazine, which included it in the “TIME World’s Best Companies 2025” list, acknowledging its outstanding contributions to global impact and sustainability.
