Ghana to Establish First Electric Vehicle Centre of Excellence to Drive Green Transportation Transition

Ghana is taking a significant step toward sustainable transportation with the establishment of its first Electric Vehicles (EV) Centre of Excellence. Spearheaded by the Institute of Industrial Research of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-IIR), the project is designed to be a hub for research, capacity-building, and specialized technical services. Construction is set to begin on secured land in Accra, with a projected completion timeline of 18 months. This facility marks a milestone in the country's technological landscape, aiming to provide the infrastructure necessary for a cleaner automotive future.

The initiative was highlighted during the CSIR-IIR’s Biennial Research and Industry Meeting (BI-ARIM) 2026, where Dr. Francis Boateng Agyenim, the Director of CSIR-IIR, outlined the strategic importance of the center. According to Dr. Agyenim, the Centre will serve as a technical advisory body to guide government EV policies while simultaneously enhancing local expertise in EV maintenance and equipment fabrication. By focusing on research and development in renewable energy, the institute aims to ensure that Ghana is not merely a consumer of foreign technology but a participant in industrial innovation.

This development aligns closely with the recently launched National Electric Vehicle Policy, which provides a framework for market growth and environmental sustainability. As the country looks to transition away from traditional internal combustion engines, the Centre of Excellence will play a critical role in bridging the gap between policy and practical implementation. By fostering a domestic ecosystem for electric mobility, the project is expected to drive economic growth, reduce carbon emissions, and position Ghana as a regional leader in the adoption of green energy solutions.