Electric mobility experts here to make green transport a reality in Seychelles |02 May 2023

The four experts in the company of Minister Derjacques (3rd left) and PS for Land Transport, Patrick Andre (far left)

Four international experts are now evaluating and are to advise the Seychelles government and the transport ministry on ways to best implement electric mobility in the country.

This comes after a three-week tender process that attracted 24 participants.

This brings Seychelles another step closer to having more environmentally friendly transport within the public sector via the Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC).

In October 2022, the Ministry of Transport in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme - Global Environment Facility (UNEP-GEF) detailed its plan to introduce electric buses in the SPTC fleet. As part of the two-year project, Seychelles has welcomed experts with vast knowledge in international policy, business and strategy, international e-mobility technology, international battery technology and charging and renewable energy integration.

Their role is to provide the best way forward to implement a sustainable electric transport system in Seychelles during a period not exceeding two years.

In a meeting with the Minister for Transport, Antony Derjacques, the UNEP delegation expressed its satisfaction with the resilience and progress that Seychelles has made despite the delay from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Members of the delegation were happy to have met with representatives of key ministries and stakeholders to better understand the procurement of buses and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, environmental policies such as that of end of battery life disposal etc.

UNEP-GEF is a key partner in this project offering technical expertise and a grant of US $400,000.

“Now, I think we are in a crucial phase of the programme. We are happy to see the support of technicians and the principal secretary for land transport for the programme,” said the head of the UNEP delegation, Annika Berlin.

The electric mobility project is also receiving the support of other partners such as IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency) and the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC) for its transport plan. A potential partner is Calstart ‒ a clean transport expert based in America that intends to help with the transition to electric mobility and its education.

“Strategy and capacity building is the core of the project. We hope to see 50% of buses and cars electrified by 2030 and for that we welcome other partners,” said Ms Berlin.

UNEP-GEF has vast experience working with small islands developing states such as Mauritius, Madagascar, Fiji and Solomon islands.

As for Minister Derjacques, he welcomed a strong and realistic strategy that will pave the way forward.

“Thank you for your support and continuity. You have vast experience and we will surely benefit from your guidance because without strategy, we cannot move forward,” he said upon meeting with the UNEP delegation.

More research and negotiations are on the way to identify key partners for the supply of electric buses adapted to the Seychelles topography.

Press release from the Ministry of Transport