The Ethiopian government has implemented a firm ban on the importation of fuel-powered cars for private use.
Under the leadership of Alemu Sime, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics unveiled this groundbreaking policy as a key pillar of the country's efforts to reduce carbon emissions and curb its reliance on fossil fuels. The ban does not apply to fuel cars imported for public transportation.
During his appearance before parliament today on January 29, 2024, Alemu Sime, the Minister of Transport and Logistics, stated that the rationale behind this decision is to reduce the country's dependence on fuel, which is exerting pressure on the limited foreign exchange available.
He emphasized that electricity is more affordable, making electric vehicles a viable alternative to fuel-powered ones.
With relatively stable electricity tariffs and the abundance of renewable energy resources at Ethiopia's disposal, such as hydroelectric power that currently dominates the energy landscape, the transition to electric vehicles appears not only feasible but also financially advantageous, according to him.
"Ethiopia also advocates the principle of green development, and this ban is a crucial part of our efforts to reduce climate pollution," he added.
Ethiopia's power sector has made remarkable strides in recent years, with hydroelectric, wind, and waste-to-energy projects bolstering the country's energy production capacity.
Currently, hydroelectric sources contribute a staggering 90 percent of Ethiopia's power output, generating 4,820 megawatts, while wind power and waste-to-energy projects add 404 megawatts and 25 megawatts, respectively.
To further fortify its energy infrastructure, the national power supplier has unveiled a bold strategy to increase the installed power generation capacity to a robust 8,956 megawatts by 2025.
