Ethiopia Bans Non-Electric Vehicle Imports

Ethiopia has made history by becoming the first country to ban the import of gas-powered private vehicles, aiming to transition towards electric vehicles (EVs) and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This policy aligns with the government's environmental goals but raises concerns regarding the existing infrastructure, as the country struggles with inconsistent electricity supply and a lack of charging stations. The government plans to import 500,000 electric cars monthly by 2030, supported by the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which is expected to produce over 5,000 megawatts of power. However, as residents like Awgachew Seleshi and Dereje Hailu express skepticism about the feasibility of this transition due to challenges such as high costs of spare parts and limited repair services, the initiative's long-term success remains uncertain. Critics also question the motivations behind the ban, suggesting it may be more aligned with political ambitions than genuine environmental concern. Despite the hurdles, officials remain optimistic about job creation and local manufacturing opportunities within the EV sector.