EKA Mobility Flags Off 15 E-Buses in Zanzibar, Strengthening India’s Position in Global E-Bus Manufacturing

EKA Mobility has marked a major milestone in its international expansion after 15 electric buses were officially flagged off in Zanzibar by Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar. The fleet will begin commercial operations on August 1, 2026, making it Zanzibar’s first public electric bus service.

The deployment is part of EKA Mobility’s electric bus export programme for the East African nation. While 35 electric buses have already been ordered, the fleet is expected to expand to 150 EKA electric buses by the end of the year, supporting Zanzibar’s transition to zero-emission public transport.

The 12-metre electric buses, designed and manufactured in India, are aimed at reducing transport emissions while improving urban mobility on the island. The project is also expected to generate employment and strengthen local technical capabilities through specialised training programmes.

Speaking on the occasion, Vijay Yelne, President – Export Marketing & SCM, EKA Mobility, said the deployment reflects the company’s growing international presence and showcases the capabilities of Indian electric vehicle manufacturing.

“The launch of Zanzibar’s first electric bus fleet is a strong validation of EKA’s technology and our ability to deliver world-class electric mobility solutions beyond India. We see Africa as a key growth market in EKA’s global expansion journey.”

Vijay Yelne, President – Export Marketing & SCM, EKA Mobility

The flag-off ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Government of Zanzibar, Bishwajit Dey, High Commissioner of India to Tanzania, along with representatives from the Zanzibar Social Security Fund (ZSSF), Global Rapid Transport (GRT), and EKA Mobility.

As part of the partnership, EKA Mobility is working with Global Rapid Transport to train local personnel in vehicle operations, maintenance, software systems, and safety, helping establish a sustainable electric mobility ecosystem in Zanzibar.

Why This Matters for India’s Electric Bus Industry

EKA Mobility’s deployment in Zanzibar is more than just an export order, it reflects the growing global ambitions of India’s electric bus industry.

The opportunity is significant. The global electric bus market, valued at around $40 billion, sees more than 100,000 electric buses sold every year. Yet, it continues to be dominated by Chinese manufacturers such as BYD, Yutong, and King Long, creating an opportunity for Indian OEMs to emerge as credible alternatives in international markets.

Indian manufacturers have already begun making steady inroads. In April 2026, SWITCH Mobility delivered 100 EiV12 electric buses to Mauritius under a government-to-government initiative.

Earlier, JBM Auto entered the European market with its ECOLIFE electric city bus, establishing its European headquarters in Frankfurt, announcing plans to deploy more than 100 buses in Germany, and partnering with AL Habtoor Motors to introduce electric buses in the UAE.

As emerging markets accelerate investments in sustainable public transport, projects like Zanzibar strengthen India’s credibility as a global supplier of electric buses and demonstrate that Indian-made electric mobility solutions are increasingly finding acceptance beyond domestic borders.