Addis Ababa, June 6, 2026 – The Director of Technology, Innovation, and Infrastructure at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa confirmed that Ethiopia’s electric mobility strategy represents a significant step in addressing the impacts of climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions and promoting a transition toward a sustainable, low-emission economy.

In a statement, it was explained that Ethiopia’s efforts to encourage the use of electric vehicles and expand green transport solutions are accelerating the shift toward a more sustainable economy that is less dependent on carbon-emitting energy sources.

The transition to electric transportation helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and support national efforts to build an economy capable of adapting to climate challenges.

The expansion of electric vehicle use reflects Ethiopia’s commitment to achieving sustainable development and protecting the environment, while also contributing to international efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change.

The Ethiopian strategy aligns with international legal frameworks and policies on climate and sustainable development. It also addresses one of the major economic challenges facing many African countries: heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels.

Countries that depend on fuel imports spend large amounts of foreign currency to meet their energy needs. Expanding the use of electric vehicles reduces this dependence and eases pressure on foreign currency reserves.

The shift to electric transport offers important economic advantages, including enhancing energy security and reducing vulnerability to fluctuations in global fuel markets.

On the environmental side, Ethiopia has a significant comparative advantage due to its heavy reliance on hydropower for electricity generation. This makes electric vehicles more effective in reducing emissions from the transport sector.

Using electricity generated from renewable sources, especially hydropower, allows Ethiopia to significantly cut carbon emissions in the transport sector, supporting green development goals and contributing to global climate change mitigation efforts.

The official also discussed Ethiopia’s future manufacturing goals, noting that the country aims to manufacture or assemble 30 percent of new electric vehicles locally by 2030.

This goal serves as an important driver for industrial growth, regional trade, and the development of industrial value chains in Africa, particularly in sectors related to electric vehicles and batteries.

The implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area will accelerate the transition to electric mobility across the continent by facilitating trade and strengthening integration among regional value chains.

Africa holds a large share of the essential raw materials needed for battery and electric vehicle manufacturing, providing African countries with a significant opportunity to develop competitive local industries.

The African Continental Free Trade Area provides a suitable framework for developing battery and electric vehicle industries within the continent. This will create new jobs, boost manufacturing, and support regional economic integration, alongside the growing demand for electric mobility solutions in various African countries.

United Nations Economic Commission for Africa

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) is a regional commission headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, established in 1958 to promote the economic and social development of its member states. It was founded as part of the UN’s efforts to support post-colonial African nations in building sustainable economies and fostering regional integration. Today, UNECA plays a key role in policy research, technical assistance, and advocating for Africa’s development priorities on the global stage.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of the oldest countries in the world, often called the “Cradle of Humankind” due to the discovery of early hominid fossils like Lucy. It is the only African nation to have never been colonized, famously defeating Italian forces at the Battle of Adwa in 1896. Rich in cultural heritage, Ethiopia is home to ancient rock-hewn churches in Lalibela and the medieval castles of Gondar.

Africa

Africa is the world’s second-largest continent, known as the cradle of humankind, with a history spanning millions of years from early hominids to ancient civilizations like Egypt, Kush, and Great Zimbabwe. It experienced profound changes through trans-Saharan trade, European colonization, and the transatlantic slave trade, which shaped its diverse cultures and economies. Today, Africa is a vibrant continent of 54 nations, rich in natural resources, languages, and traditions, while continuing to address legacies of colonialism and pursue development.

African Continental Free Trade Area

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a landmark agreement among 54 of the 55 African Union nations, creating the world’s largest free trade zone by number of participating countries. Established in 2018 and officially launched in January 2021, it aims to boost intra-African trade by eliminating tariffs on 90% of goods, reduce trade barriers, and foster economic integration. The AfCFTA builds on decades of pan-African efforts to unify the continent’s markets and drive sustainable development.