IN an ambitious move towards sustainable transportation, the Ethiopian government has revealed its intention to introduce a staggering 439,000 electric vehicles (EVs) over the next decade. This announcement marks a significant acceleration of the country’s transition towards electric mobility.
Initially, the government had aimed to import about 148,000 electric automobiles and 48,555 electric buses as part of its 10-year strategic plan. Remarkably, this target has been surpassed within just the first two years of implementation, prompting a revision of the national strategy to set a more ambitious goal.
‘The tax exemption introduced for the importation of electric vehicles, which is significantly lower as compared to the tax imposed on gasoline-powered vehicles, is intended to encourage electric mobility in the country,’ said Bareo Hassen, the state minister of transport and logistics, emphasising the importance of these incentives.
As part of the revised strategic plan, the government aims to establish a network of 2,226 charging stations nationwide, with a focus on both urban centres and regional cities. This infrastructure development is crucial for supporting the growing fleet of electric vehicles and ensuring convenient access to charging facilities.
‘Our goal is to ensure that charging stations are readily available across the country, facilitating the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and reducing reliance on fossil fuels,’ noted Hassen, highlighting the government’s commitment to infrastructure development.
Ethiopia’s transition to electric mobility is driven not only by environmental concerns but also by economic benefits. The country currently spends billions of dollars annually on fuel imports, with a substantial portion allocated to powering vehicles.
‘We believe that transitioning to electric mobility will not only reduce our dependence on imported fuels but also contribute to significant savings in foreign currency expenditure,’ stated Hassen, underlining the economic rationale behind the initiative.
The government’s initiative has also sparked interest from the private sector, with companies like the Belayneh Kindie Metal Engineering Complex seizing the opportunity to invest in electric vehicle assembly.
‘Since mid-2023, we have imported completely dismantled electric vehicles, assembled 216 electric minibuses, and made them available to the Ethiopian market,’ said Besufekad Shewaye, general manager of the Ethiopian firm, highlig
hting the company’s contribution to the country’s electric vehicle market.
Ethiopia’s ambitious push towards electric mobility not only underscores its commitment to sustainable development but also presents significant opportunities for economic growth and environmental stewardship. With supportive policies and burgeoning private sector involvement, the country is poised to become a leader in the adoption of electric vehicles in Africa.
