LILONGWE, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- The government of Malawi is committed to promoting the purchase and use of electric vehicles to help reduce fuel import and save forex, Malawi's Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola said on Monday.
The minister made the remarks as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Malawi launched its first-ever electric vehicle at its offices in the capital city of Lilongwe.
Matola said the use of electric vehicles would also address the issue of fuel shortage which Malawi constantly faces as motorists would have an alternative by using electric vehicles.
He added that electric vehicles would also help reduce carbon emissions in Malawi, hence reducing the effects of climate change that are caused by harmful gases.
The government of Malawi is striving to make the purchase of electric vehicles affordable by reducing importation tax, the minister added.
Matola also urged other stakeholders, including the private sector and companies, to join the government in promoting electric vehicles in the country.
UNDP Malawi Resident Representative Fenella Frost said the launch of the electric vehicles by UNDP is part of the UNDP's commitment to promoting a green economy and environment in Malawi.
She added that the UN body wants 75 percent of their vehicles to be electric by 2030.
Frost has pledged to support Malawi in promoting electric vehicles for wider adoption in the country. ■