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Pune-based electric vehicle manufacturer EKA Mobility, on Friday, flagged off its first fleet of electric buses in Zanzibar, Tanzania, marking the company's entry into the island nation's public transport network.
Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi unveiled and flagged off 15 EKA 12-metre electric buses, which will begin commercial operations from August 1, 2026.
As per the company, the deployment is part of a wider electric mobility programme under which 35 EKA electric buses have been ordered. The fleet is expected to grow to 150 buses by the end of the year. The initiative aims to reduce transport emissions while creating jobs and building technical skills among the local workforce.
Local training
As part of the long-term partnership, EKA Mobility is working with Global Rapid Transport (GRT) to train local personnel in vehicle operations, maintenance, software systems and safety. The training programme is aimed at developing a self-sustaining electric mobility ecosystem in Zanzibar.
The Zanzibar Social Security Fund (ZSSF), along with GRT, is also supporting local capacity building and operational readiness.
India's footprint
The flag-off ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Government of Zanzibar, Bishwajit Dey, High Commissioner of India to Tanzania, representatives of ZSSF and GRT, and senior leaders from EKA Mobility.
"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," said Vijay Yelne, President – Export Marketing & SCM, EKA Mobility.
"It demonstrates that products designed and manufactured in India can successfully meet the evolving mobility needs of international markets."
Built on EKA Mobility's next-generation electric platform, the 12-metre buses produce zero tailpipe emissions and are designed for urban public transport. The Zanzibar deployment expands EKA Mobility's international presence while reinforcing India's position as a manufacturing hub for electric commercial vehicles.
Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi unveiled and flagged off 15 EKA 12-metre electric buses, which will begin commercial operations from August 1, 2026.
As per the company, the deployment is part of a wider electric mobility programme under which 35 EKA electric buses have been ordered. The fleet is expected to grow to 150 buses by the end of the year. The initiative aims to reduce transport emissions while creating jobs and building technical skills among the local workforce.
Local training
As part of the long-term partnership, EKA Mobility is working with Global Rapid Transport (GRT) to train local personnel in vehicle operations, maintenance, software systems and safety. The training programme is aimed at developing a self-sustaining electric mobility ecosystem in Zanzibar.
Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi flags off EKA Mobility's first fleet of 15 electric buses during the launch ceremony in Zanzibar.
The Zanzibar Social Security Fund (ZSSF), along with GRT, is also supporting local capacity building and operational readiness.
India's footprint
The flag-off ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Government of Zanzibar, Bishwajit Dey, High Commissioner of India to Tanzania, representatives of ZSSF and GRT, and senior leaders from EKA Mobility.
"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," said Vijay Yelne, President – Export Marketing & SCM, EKA Mobility.
A fleet of EKA Mobility's 12-metre electric buses lined up in Zanzibar ahead of their commercial launch on August 1, 2026.
"It demonstrates that products designed and manufactured in India can successfully meet the evolving mobility needs of international markets."
Built on EKA Mobility's next-generation electric platform, the 12-metre buses produce zero tailpipe emissions and are designed for urban public transport. The Zanzibar deployment expands EKA Mobility's international presence while reinforcing India's position as a manufacturing hub for electric commercial vehicles.
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