Ethiopia Banned Gas Cars for Electric Vehicles

Ethiopia is leading an unprecedented green revolution in Africa by becoming the first nation to ban the importation of gas-powered vehicles in favor of electric alternatives. Faced with a staggering $4.2 billion annual fuel import bill and chronic shortages exacerbated by global supply shocks, the Ethiopian government has pivoted to electric mobility as a matter of national energy security. This bold transition leverages the country’s unique advantage: 90% of its electricity is generated from renewable sources, primarily hydro and solar. By exempting electric vehicles (EVs) from almost all import duties, the government has spurred a massive surge in adoption, with over 115,000 EVs now on the road, accounting for roughly 8% of all cars in the country. While significant hurdles remain—including a fragile power grid and a lack of charging infrastructure outside the capital city of Addis Ababa—the shift is already providing relief to drivers who no longer have to endure hours-long lines at petrol pumps. This transformation is not just about transport; it is a strategic effort to reshape the country's energy landscape, reduce urban pollution, and build a local manufacturing base with dozens of new EV assembly plants in the pipeline.