by Xinhua writers Habtamu Worku, Liu Fangqiang
ADDIS ABABA, April 5 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopian government institutions are spearheading a state-driven push for electric mobility through large-scale investments in electric vehicle (EV) charging station networks, especially amid a fuel crisis caused by conflicts in the Middle East.
On Friday, state-run operator Ethio Telecom commissioned its fourth public Super-Fast Smart EV Charging Station in Adama City, marking the company's first regional expansion outside the country's capital, Addis Ababa.
The station features 12 super-fast chargers, raising the company's total national capacity to serve 60 vehicles simultaneously across four high-tech locations.
Since commencing operations in February last year, Ethio Telecom's network has served more than 284,000 EVs, dispensing over 7.15 million kilowatt-hours of energy. The company said its initiative has prevented the emission of over 10 million kg of carbon dioxide, an environmental contribution equivalent to planting more than 49,500 trees.
Ethio Telecom's investment is part of a coordinated government-led initiative that aims to build a national EV charging station network, which will see 2,300 charging stations across the country within the coming 10 years, according to official data.
Just last week, the Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU), a state-owned electric energy service provider, inaugurated its own EV charging stations in Addis Ababa. Six charging stations have been built in different parts of the capital, among which three are already commissioned and ready for service. The company disclosed its plan to build 34 additional charging stations throughout the East African country as part of its first-phase project.
The EEU further highlighted the construction of charging infrastructure along the Ethiopia-Djibouti trade corridor as its future core ambition, making it a vital investment as the corridor handles an estimated 90-to-95 percent of landlocked Ethiopia's import and export trade.
The emphasis on building a national EV charging station network is part of the Ethiopian government's ambitious attempt to usher in a swift transition to electric mobility.
The Ethiopian government banned imports of petrol and diesel vehicles in 2024, while reducing taxes on EVs, a policy that has accelerated adoption across the East African country.
Ethiopia's Minister of Transport and Logistics Alemu Sime recently said the government is making bold strides toward e-mobility to reduce carbon emissions and build an economically resilient transport system. The transition also aims to ensure energy sovereignty by saving much-needed foreign currency spent on fuel imports.
As part of this national ambition, the government plans to introduce in excess of 500,000 EVs into the country by 2032. Achieving this will meaningfully restructure the country's vehicle fleet. According to incomplete statistics, there are roughly 1.2 million vehicles in Ethiopia, with a large proportion well over 20 years old. Most of the cars on the road are secondhand imports, and black smoke is often seen rising from the rear of these cars.
Highlighting Ethiopia's abundant renewable energy along with attractive incentives for enterprises engaged in the EV sector, State Minister of Transport and Logistics Bareo Hassen said the government's push is attracting domestic and foreign investment in EV manufacturing and assembly. Official data show that 17 electric vehicle assembly plants are currently in the pipeline across the country, with the government aiming to reach 60 factories by 2030.
Current global fuel supply-chain disruptions from the Middle East conflict have added urgency to the cause.
Last week, Ethiopia's Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kassahun Gofe announced that the country is spending 15-to-20 billion birr (about 96-to-128 million U.S. dollars) monthly on fuel subsidies. He said that over 180,000 metric tons of fuel could not be delivered due to the war, and the uncertainty is forcing the government to purchase supplies at three times the normal price.
Amid widespread calls for responsible fuel use, the Ethiopian government has issued a national call to accelerate EV adoption as a critical buffer against external supply shocks. ■
