Africa’s Shift to CNG: A Game-Changer in Transportation
Jimoh Abeeb, a civil engineer based in Abuja, Nigeria, faced a dilemma in 2024. As petrol prices skyrocketed following the removal of fuel subsidies, he found himself spending a significant portion of his earnings on fueling his car. Faced with this financial strain, Abeeb made a daring decision. He converted his vehicle to run on compressed natural gas (CNG), a more affordable and cleaner alternative to petrol. This move not only eased his financial burden but also transformed his daily commute, allowing him to cover more ground with less expense.
Abeeb’s experience is not unique in Africa. Across the continent, a growing number of drivers are opting for CNG as a viable solution to rising fuel costs and environmental concerns. Countries like Nigeria, Tanzania, and Egypt are spearheading this shift by promoting CNG as a cleaner and cheaper fuel option for transportation. This transition to CNG has sparked a surge in demand, leading to long queues at filling stations and a leap in the market for CNG-powered vehicles.
Government Support and Infrastructure Development
Governments in Africa are actively supporting the expansion of CNG infrastructure and incentivizing the conversion of vehicles to CNG. In Nigeria, the Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG) aims to provide relief to citizens grappling with the aftermath of fuel subsidy removal. The initiative offers free conversions for commercial drivers and discounts for ride-share vehicles, making CNG adoption more accessible. Additionally, the country’s state-owned oil company has commissioned CNG stations in major cities and is working towards constructing more across the country.
In East Africa, the Tanzanian government is also investing in CNG infrastructure and collaborating with private companies to accelerate the development of filling stations. By certifying retrofitting workshops and eliminating duties on CNG equipment, Tanzania is paving the way for widespread adoption of CNG as a cleaner and more affordable fuel alternative.
The Debate on Environmental Impact
While the shift to CNG offers immediate benefits in terms of reduced emissions and lower fuel costs, the environmental implications are a topic of debate. Critics argue that embracing CNG for transportation could hinder efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources like electric vehicles (EVs). Lorraine Chiponda, Africa coordinator at the Global Gas & Oil Network, warns that relying on CNG could lock Africa into using fossil fuels, undermining long-term sustainability goals.
However, proponents of CNG highlight its role as a transitional fuel that offers a cleaner and more affordable alternative to petrol and diesel. Michael David Terungwa, a climate advocate at the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), emphasizes the economic benefits of CNG for African countries facing price hikes and poverty levels. While the debate continues, the transition to CNG in Africa reflects the complex interplay between economic, environmental, and social factors shaping the continent’s energy landscape.
Challenges and Opportunities for EV Adoption
Despite the growing interest in EVs across Africa, significant challenges remain in transitioning to electric transport systems. Weak electric grid infrastructure, limited access to finance, and high costs pose barriers to widespread EV adoption. Elizabeth Obode, an energy and industry consultant, notes that while EVs offer a cleaner alternative to CNG, the lack of charging stations and repair workshops limits their feasibility in many African countries.
To overcome these challenges, experts suggest that African governments incentivize the private sector to invest in EV manufacturing and infrastructure development. By offering tax breaks and financial support for battery production, charging stations, and EV manufacturing, governments can accelerate the transition to electric transport. Planning a strategic time frame for phasing out CNG and transitioning to EVs could align with net-zero emissions targets and drive sustainable energy practices in Africa.
As Africa navigates the complexities of energy transition, the shift to CNG represents a pivotal moment in redefining the continent’s transportation landscape. From the bustling streets of Abuja to the rural roads of Tanzania, the choice between CNG and EVs underscores the intricate balance between economic viability, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation. As drivers like Jimoh Abeeb embrace the future of transportation, Africa stands at the crossroads of a transformative journey towards cleaner, more efficient mobility solutions.
