Chinese GAC International Enters Ethiopian Electric Vehicle Market

Addis Ababa, May 17, 2025 (ENA) -- Leading Chinese automotive manufacturer, Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC), has entered the Ethiopian electric vehicle (EV) market and marking a crucial step in the country's transition towards sustainable transportation.

The company has launched a range of electric vehicles in Addis Ababa and has partnered with another Chinese company, Huajian, to provide sales and after-sales services nationwide.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Zeleke Temesgen, Commissioner of Ethiopian Investment Commission, said that since the last seven years Ethiopia has done lots of amendments of investment policies to attract foreign investors especially manufacturers.

 

"Over the past six to seven years, the Ethiopia government has taken very bold measures, particularly to open up the economy and more particularly also to attract foreign investment into Ethiopia," he emphasized, Adding, "We can mention some tangible actions which actually shows the level of commitment as well as how serious the Ethiopian government is to attract foreign investment to Ethiopia".

According to the commissioner, as part of these economic reforms, Ethiopia has amended its investment laws to attract a greater influx of foreign investors, broadening the scope of engagement through these legal changes.

State Minister of Transport and Logistics, Bareo Hassen, on his part announced a significant partnership where the world's second-largest EV manufacturer will support the nation's green mobility implementation through knowledge and technology transfer.

 

The state minister also emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “The Company’s entry into Ethiopia will greatly aid the green mobility execution".

As the world's second-largest electric vehicle maker with a significant global presence, GAC Groups' goals align perfectly with Ethiopia's green mobility vision, Bareo emphasized, noting that Ethiopia aims not only to import electric vehicles but also to establish local production for export and the company will contribute substantially to the transfer of vital knowledge and technology.

Wei Haigang, President of GAC International, on his part affirmed Ethiopia's favorable investment potential. 

 

"Ethiopia stands out as one of our key strategic markets in Africa, particularly in East Africa. The Ethiopian government's strong emphasis on electric vehicles and green mobility is a significant factor in our decision to enter this market," he underscored.

Huajian Chairman Zhang Huarong also elaborated the compelling electricity-to-fuel cost ratio in Ethiopia, which reinforces GAC's confidence in the New Energy Vehicle market.

 

The chairman further outlined the company's ambitious goal to achieve a 30 percent market share for GAC AION in Ethiopia by 2030, with the aim of establishing intelligent EVs as the hallmark of green urban mobility.

The company's objectives include developing high-quality, sustainable transportation solutions and invigorating Ethiopia's expanding EV market by supplying models such as the ES9 PHEV, E8, and AION Y to Ethiopian consumers.