Ethiopia Imports Over 44,000 Chinese EVs in 2025, Accounting for One-Third of Africa’s Total

Ethiopia imported 44,358 electric vehicles (EVs) from China in 2025—more than double the 19,386 units imported in 2024—accounting for one-third of all EV imports from China into Africa, surpassing South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, and Nigeria. The total value of these imports exceeded $200 million. Currently, over 115,000 EVs are on Ethiopian roads, representing approximately 8% of the country’s total vehicle fleet. The country banned imports of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles two years ago, citing the need to reduce foreign exchange spending on fuel imports. Ethiopia spends roughly $4.2 billion annually on fuel imports and provides up to $128 million per month in fuel subsidies. Fuel supply disruptions caused by geopolitical conflicts have further accelerated the shift toward electrification. To encourage EV adoption, Ethiopia has waived import duties and related fees. The cheapest EV models cost around $13,000—far exceeding local income levels, as doctors earn less than $100 per month. Although ICE vehicles previously faced import tariffs as high as 200%, used car prices have remained elevated since the ban took effect. Ethiopia’s limited grid infrastructure poses challenges: outside the capital, Addis Ababa, charging facilities are virtually nonexistent, with fewer than 100 public charging points citywide and frequent power outages. This severely restricts EV usability in rural areas. While some EV owners appreciate no longer queuing for fuel, they note limitations for long-distance travel. Approximately 90% of Ethiopia’s electricity comes from renewable sources, primarily hydropower and solar. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, currently under construction, is expected to double the country’s power generation capacity, though the project has long been a source of water-related disputes with Egypt and Sudan. The government aims to establish 60 EV assembly plants by 2030; 17 have already been planned, with the goal of boosting local manufacturing and reducing costs. Private EV owners now pay an average of $4 per month for charging—significantly lower than the previous $27 monthly fuel expense—and public transport operators report even greater savings. Other African nations, including Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco, are also advancing EV policies, building manufacturing capabilities, and expanding renewable energy use. According to the Africa Electric Vehicle Alliance, the ongoing transition has already shielded more than 100,000 vehicle owners from direct exposure to oil price volatility and is helping to lower transportation costs and consumer prices.