Ethiopia Launches National E-Mobility Strategy to Accelerate Electric Transport Transition

Addis Ababa, May 25, 2026 — Ethiopia has officially launched its E-Mobility Strategy and Implementation Plan for 2025-2030, marking a major step toward accelerating the adoption of electric mobility and building a sustainable transport system nationwide.

Speaking at the launch workshop, Transport and Logistics Minister Alemu Sime said the strategy is designed to create a modern transport ecosystem rather than merely introducing electric vehicles.

He stated that Ethiopia is working to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, strengthen national energy security, improve urban public health and promote cleaner cities by utilizing the country’s renewable energy resources, particularly hydropower.

According to the minister, the strategy outlines a comprehensive roadmap covering policy and regulatory reforms, charging infrastructure development, public transport integration, investment promotion, private sector engagement, local manufacturing opportunities and institutional coordination.

Alemu also noted that the strategy aligns with Africa’s broader push toward electric mobility for sustainable urbanization and climate action, citing the endorsement of the African Continental Framework on Electric Vehicles by the African Union Specialized Technical Committee.

He emphasized the importance of close collaboration among government institutions, development partners, financial institutions, utility providers, city administrations, the private sector, academia and civil society.

“The transition to electric mobility is a shared national effort that requires sustained leadership, investment, and a supportive regulatory environment,” the minister said.

Industry Minister Melaku Alebel linked the e-mobility initiative to Ethiopia’s wider industrialization and environmental sustainability agenda.

He highlighted ongoing efforts in urban greenery and environmentally friendly transport projects, including electric bus services and non-motorized transport infrastructure.

Melaku stressed the importance of building local manufacturing and industrial ecosystems, including vehicle assembly, battery value chains, technology transfer, consumer protection standards and specialized training centers to develop electric vehicle skills.

He added that Ethiopia’s transition is supported by the country’s renewable energy advantage, with a significant share of electricity generated from clean energy sources, positioning the nation to power electric transport through domestic energy production.

The implementation of the strategy will be coordinated through inter-ministerial collaboration and technical committees, alongside incentives and investment opportunities aimed at accelerating the growth of electric mobility over the coming years.

Technology, Innovation, Connectivity and Infrastructure Director at the Development Division of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Robert Lisinge, said electric vehicle adoption is expanding rapidly across Africa and that Ethiopia is among the countries leading the transition.

According to Lisinge, electric mobility offers environmental benefits through lower emissions and improved air quality, economic benefits by reducing spending on imported petroleum products and social benefits through job creation in vehicle manufacturing, charging infrastructure and maintenance services.

He also outlined UNECA’s support for electric mobility development across Africa, including collaboration with the African Union Commission and the United Nations Environment Programme on regional policy frameworks and research on electricity demand and intra-African EV trade.

Lisinge affirmed that UNECA will continue supporting Ethiopia’s efforts to advance electric mobility and sustainable transport development.