Ethiopia internal combustion

Will Ethiopia ban combustion engine cars in 2035?

(!) Last February, the European Union approved a law that would ban the sale of combustion engine cars in its member states from 2035 — joining several US states, Canada, Japan, Singapore, India, New Zealand, and a number of other nations with similar bans already on the books (see chart, below). Ethiopia, however, isn’t waiting for 2035.

Why did Ethiopia ban fossil fuel vehicles in 2024?

The ban was confirmed on 29 January 2024. The Ministry of Transport and Logistics will no longer permit fossil‑fuelled vehicles to enter Ethiopia because the country cannot afford to import gasoline and diesel. Last year, Ethiopia imported fossil fuels valued at almost US$6 billion, over 50% of which went to fuel vehicles.

Will Ethiopia become an electric vehicle leader?

The ban is expected to transform the country into an electric vehicles leader, creating lucrative markets for importers, electric vehicle manufacturers and infrastructure developers. Ethiopia has banned the import of non-electric vehicles, the first country worldwide to prohibit internal combustion engine cars completely.

Is Ethiopia still a tough stance on Ice vehicle imports?

It is interesting to see that even after the biggest economic policy reform announcement in the country in decades, the country is maintaining its tough stance on ICE vehicle imports. Ethiopia has a population of 126 million people, but the total number of vehicles registered in Ethiopia is around 1.2 million.

Why does Ethiopia have a high fossil fuel import bill?

A high fossil fuel import bill of over US$5 billion a year, taking a huge chunk of the country’s scarce foreign currency resources. Energy security and self-sufficiency was another major driver. Ethiopia recently commissioned the first units from the 5,150 MW Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

What drives Ethiopia's energy mix?

Energy security and self-sufficiency was another major driver. Ethiopia recently commissioned the first units from the 5,150 MW Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). The GERD will add another ~15,500 GWhs of clean electricity to the country’s energy mix.