The Ministry of Transport and Logistics (MoTL) has announced a national strategy to deploy over 500,000 electric vehicles (EVs) across Ethiopia within the next ten years, positioning the country as a continental leader in e-mobility.

In an interview with The Ethiopian Herald, State Minister for Transport Service and Supervision Bareo Hassen revealed that the plan includes the introduction of 4,800 electric buses for both urban and cross-country transport. Addis Ababa currently operates around 110,000 e-vehicles and hosts over 90 fast-charging stations. However, to sustain the growing EV network, the capital alone needs approximately 1,176 stations, with an additional 1,050 required nationwide. Cities such as Bahir Dar, Gondar, Dire Dawa, and Jigjiga have only just begun developing such infrastructure.

Bareo emphasized that e-mobility is critical for Ethiopia's transition to a sustainable transport system, especially given its rich renewable energy resources such as hydropower, geothermal, and biofuels. The strategy aims to cut carbon emissions by 20%, reduce fossil fuel dependency, and stimulate economic growth.

Developed in collaboration with 18 federal institutions, the upcoming strategy includes expanding infrastructure in off-grid areas, attracting private sector investment, and tapping into carbon financing mechanisms. Incentives such as customs exemptions on charging stations and assembly components are in place, while fully assembled EVs face duties of 5% to 15%.

The MoTL is also working to develop local expertise through training in battery handling and green manufacturing practices.

Source: The Ethiopian Herald