Kampala/Mpika, Zambia – Kiira Motors’ groundbreaking electric vehicle (EV) expedition, From the Pearl to the Cape, has entered its eighth day with the team clocking 2,370 kilometres across Tanzania and into Zambia—marking 18.22% of the historic 13,000 km journey from Uganda to South Africa.
The expedition, designed to test the limits of electric mobility on the continent while assessing charging infrastructure, safety, and road performance, has so far reported zero incidents, according to updates from the company’s official communication channels.
Charging Infrastructure Holding Strong
In an update shared on Thursday, Kiira Motors revealed that the EVs have successfully travelled 2,370 km thanks to charging systems along the route. Engineer Fred Matovu, one of the technical leads on the mission, noted that while charging remains a challenge in parts of Africa, the journey is proving that a continental EV ecosystem is both possible and necessary.
Matovu highlighted opportunities for countries to invest in renewable-powered charging stations, cross-border energy cooperation, and regional industrialisation of EV components.
Tanzania Leg: 1,771 KM of Diverse Terrain
Earlier communications showed the team had completed 1,771 km across Tanzania alone—journeying from Mutukula at the Uganda–Tanzania border to Tunduma at the entry point into Zambia.
Kiira Motors described the Tanzania leg as a tapestry of diverse experiences: bustling border posts, mining hubs, expansive plains, chilly highlands, and dramatic mountain ranges.
The crew celebrated the smooth performance of the EVs and the resilience of the technical team in navigating long distances using clean energy.
Crossing Into Zambia
On Day 6, the expedition crossed into Zambia via Nakonde and continued deeper into the country, where they were welcomed by breathtaking safari landscapes and warm communities.
The team says it is eager to engage more Zambian stakeholders as the drive progresses toward Mpika and eventually further south.
Environmental Impact
With 2,017 kWh of energy consumed—an average of 0.85 kWh per kilometre—the expedition has already avoided 1,109 kg of carbon dioxide emissions, underscoring the environmental promise of electric transport in Africa.
Milestones Achieved, Many More Ahead
Kiira Motors celebrated crossing the 2,000 km threshold earlier this week, calling it a major morale boost as the team pushes through the remaining 11,000 km to Cape Town.
The From the Pearl to the Cape expedition aims to position Uganda as a regional leader in clean mobility innovation while testing real-world conditions for long-distance EV travel across East and Southern Africa.
The team continues to share daily updates, showcasing Africa’s landscapes, the reliability of electric mobility, and the future of sustainable transport on the continent.
