Ethiopia Leads Strong Push for Green Growth, Says Indian Ambassador

Addis Ababa, March 14, 2026 (ENA)—Indian Ambassador to Ethiopia Anil Kumar Rai, has praised Ethiopia’s expanding environmental protection efforts, describing them as a significant contribution to global climate action and a model for other African nations.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, the ambassador highlighted Ethiopia’s sweeping environmental initiatives aimed at reducing pollution, advancing sustainable development, and accelerating the transition toward a greener economy.

Among the most notable reforms is the country’s push toward electric mobility, including restrictions on new combustion-engine vehicles and the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

 

The measures are expected to significantly reduce particulate matter and greenhouse gas emissions from road transport.

A centerpiece of Ethiopia’s environmental strategy is the Green Legacy Initiative, a nationwide campaign promoting large-scale tree planting.

Through successive rainy seasons, billions of seedlings have been planted across the country to expand green cover, restore ecosystems, and strengthen climate resilience.

According to Ambassador Rai, the Green Legacy Initiative, along with Ethiopia’s corridor development projects, the ban on fuel-powered vehicles, the prohibition of plastic bags, and the implementation of a circular economy framework, represents a comprehensive approach to achieving green growth.

 

Reflecting on his observations during the past two years, the ambassador noted that urban corridor development projects, implemented under the leadership of Abiy Ahmed, have significantly transformed several Ethiopian cities, particularly Addis Ababa.

“We observed how the city could be transformed into a top-class urban center with wide roads, cycling tracks, green spaces, walkways and efficient lighting systems,” he said.

Rai added that these initiatives offer valuable lessons for countries seeking to modernize their cities while protecting the environment and promoting sustainable urban development.

He also described the Green Legacy Initiative as a remarkable environmental campaign that has set global records for the number of trees and seedlings planted during successive planting seasons.

 

The ambassador further emphasized Ethiopia’s practical policy measures to curb carbon emissions, including the decision to ban the import of fuel-powered vehicles and the introduction of stricter controls on plastic bags to reduce pollution and urban flooding caused by plastic waste.

In addition, Ethiopia launched the National Circular Economy Roadmap in 2024, a national strategy designed to strengthen sustainable waste management systems and promote resource efficiency across key sectors.

Rai praised the roadmap as an important step toward reducing environmental pollution while improving the country’s waste management practices.

“As a brotherly country, we are very proud that Ethiopia is undertaking many important initiatives from which we can all learn,” he said.