Ethiopia’s shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is accelerating, with over 42,000 EVs currently in operation and around 100,000 more on the way, according to the Ministry of Transport and Logistics. To further expedite this transition, the government has adopted a five-year strategy and is preparing a directive to regulate the conversion of gas-powered vehicles into EVs, ensuring compliance with technical standards.
With the import ban on fuel-powered automobiles, various stakeholders are investing in e-mobility infrastructure. EV importers, public enterprises, including Ethio Telecom, hotels, fuel stations, and private companies are expanding charging facilities. Cities with stable electricity supplies, including Addis Ababa, are becoming increasingly suitable for EV users. Addis Ababa City Transport Bureau Deputy Head, Worku Desta, recently stated that the city is rapidly expanding its EV charging stations.
In January, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics mandated that vehicle importers must establish charging stations before selling EVs locally. As a result, over 400 companies, previously identified as EV importers, have since installed charging stations, including super-fast charging facilities.
The recent adoption of Ethiopia’s National EV Operation Strategy marks a significant step toward the country’s e-mobility ambitions. The five-year strategy outlines development plans to enhance the sector and aligns with Ethiopia’s green economy initiatives. Transport and Logistics Minister Alemu Sime (PhD) emphasized that transitioning to EVs will not only reduce the country’s dependence on fuel imports but also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing pollution.
Since the import ban on fuel-powered vehicles was implemented last year, the number of EVs on Ethiopian roads has surged. With the government’s continued policy support and investment in infrastructure, Ethiopia’s EV market is expected to expand further, driving the nation closer to a sustainable and energy-efficient transport system.
Senior Economist and Chairperson of Firefax Africa Fund, Zemedeneh Nigatu, also commended the expansion of EV charging stations. He stated that an ultra-fast charging station, capable of fully charging EVs within 15 minutes, is being installed on the side of highways in the capital city, Addis Ababa.
“Ethiopia is the first country in the world to ban imports of non-Electric Vehicles (EV), since January 2024. It is now building an advanced EV charging infrastructure. The country has one of the world’s cheapest electricity costs per kWh. Almost 100 percent of Ethiopia’s energy is clean, green and renewable all sourced locally from hydro, solar, wind, etc,” he said, indicating that a large number of new EVs can be seen on Addis’s streets.
Ethiopia, as an emerging market in the African economy, is showing the world the innovative future of EV transportation. In Ethiopia’s case, the innovative EV strategy was necessitated partly due to the fact that the country is a net oil importer, spending up to 6 billion USD annually and, in some years until recently, exceeding the country’s entire annual merchandise export FX earnings, he highlighted.
EV users are also expressing how their vehicles are important in saving time and money. “Super-fast charging stations are making EVs more reliable. I have saved both my time and money because of my EV. Fuel price is rising, and I could not afford to drive if not lucky to drive EV, said a driver,” said Taye Mulat while speaking to local media.
BY YESUF ENDRIS
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH 2025
