Ethiopia's ICE Vehicle Ban Boosts Chinese EVs, Local Assembly

In this week's episode of the Africa EV Show, CGSP's Njenga Hakeenah focuses on Ethiopia and its radical ban on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. There are increasingly more Chinese electric vehicle brands in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, not only for personal cars but also for ride-hailing, mass movement of people, and transportation of goods. Ethiopia has taken one of Africa's most aggressive stances on electric vehicles, banning the import of gas-powered cars, slashing EV taxes, and setting an ambitious target of half a million EVs by 2030. At the center of this transformation are Chinese automakers, local assembly plants, and a growing charging infrastructure network. While the transition hasn't been smooth for everyone due to the high upfront costs, spare parts shortages, and resale uncertainties, Ethiopia's EV revolution is a case study for countries seeking to transition their vehicles from ICE to electric. Sarah Assefa, a journalist based in Addis Ababa, joins Njenga this week for insights into her country's EV shift. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @hakeenah Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth