RTDA Kigali: 34 Electric Bus Tender Issued for City Fleet

• The Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA) has launched a tender for 34 fully electric city buses for Kigali.
• This procurement is part of the African Development Bank-financed "Enhancing E-Mobility Charging Infrastructure in the City of Kigali" project.
• Bidders must supply 8-meter buses according to Ecofleet technical specifications, including spare parts and training, with DDP delivery within four months.
• A bid security of Rwf62 million is required, and the successful bidder must disclose beneficial ownership information.
• Bids are due by October 16, 2026, under the African Development Bank's Open Competitive Bidding (International) framework.

Lawyers advising potential bidders for this tender should meticulously review the African Development Bank's procurement framework, paying close attention to the Rwf62 million bid security requirement, the DDP delivery terms, and the mandatory beneficial ownership disclosure, to ensure client compliance and competitive advantage.

The Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA) has initiated a tender process for the acquisition of 34 fully electric city buses, signaling a significant step in the nation's push to electrify its public transportation network. This procurement, announced on August 25 and signed by RTDA Director General Imena Munyampenda, aims to bolster sustainable urban mobility within Kigali. The initiative is part of a broader government strategy to integrate electric vehicles into the public transport sector, aligning with environmental goals and modern infrastructure development.

This specific procurement forms a component of the larger "Enhancing E-Mobility Charging Infrastructure in the City of Kigali" project. While the project title primarily emphasizes charging infrastructure, the government intends to utilize a portion of the financing secured for this project to cover the costs associated with these new electric buses. This strategic allocation underscores the integrated approach Rwanda is taking to develop a comprehensive electric mobility ecosystem, ensuring that both vehicles and their supporting infrastructure are expanded concurrently.

The RTDA is seeking bids from eligible suppliers for 34 electric city buses, each specified to be eight meters in length. Beyond the vehicles themselves, the tender mandates the inclusion of essential spare parts, comprehensive onboard technology packages, and crucial training services for both drivers and technical personnel. These requirements ensure that the new fleet will be fully operational and maintainable upon deployment, supporting the long-term viability of the Rwanda electric bus procurement.

Bidders must adhere to the Ecofleet technical specifications for these buses. The delivery terms are stipulated as Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) to designated locations within Kigali, specifically Kicukiro and Gahanga. A strict delivery timeline requires the buses to be supplied within four months from the contract's effective date. The tender notice explicitly states that no margin of preference will be applied during the evaluation process, ensuring a level playing field for all international participants.

The procurement process will be conducted under an Open Competitive Bidding (International) framework, adhering to the established procurement guidelines of the African Development Bank (AfDB). This project is financed through funding from the AfDB, which the Government of Rwanda applied for to support the "Enhancing E-Mobility Charging Infrastructure in the City of Kigali" initiative. Consequently, all participating bidders must comply with the AfDB's stringent procurement regulations.

A significant financial requirement for prospective bidders is the submission of a bid security amounting to Rwf62 million, or its equivalent in a freely convertible currency. Furthermore, as part of the contract award process, the successful bidder will be required to provide detailed information regarding its beneficial ownership. Bids must be submitted to the RTDA by 10:00 AM on October 16, 2026, with public opening scheduled for 10:30 AM on the same day. It is important to note that electronic bidding will not be permitted for this tender.

This Kigali RTDA 34 electric bus tender represents a critical opportunity for manufacturers and suppliers in the burgeoning African e-mobility market. The substantial bid security of Rwf62 million, coupled with the DDP delivery terms to Kigali, Kicukiro, and Gahanga, underscores the serious commitment required from potential suppliers. Adherence to the African Development Bank Rwanda e-mobility procurement framework is paramount, necessitating a thorough understanding of international competitive bidding standards and compliance protocols.

Lawyers advising potential bidders for this tender should meticulously review the African Development Bank's procurement framework, paying close attention to the Rwf62 million bid security requirement, the DDP delivery terms, and the mandatory beneficial ownership disclosure, to ensure client compliance and competitive advantage. The requirement for RTDA beneficial ownership disclosure tender information highlights a growing global trend towards transparency in public procurement. Successfully navigating these intricate requirements will be key for companies aiming to contribute to Rwanda's ambitious e-mobility agenda and secure this significant contract.

Lawyers advising potential bidders for this tender should meticulously review the African Development Bank's procurement framework, paying close attention to the Rwf62 million bid security requirement, the DDP delivery terms, and the mandatory beneficial ownership disclosure, to ensure client compliance and competitive advantage.

Source: Original reporting via New Times