Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, May 2026 – The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), through its Angola and Ethiopia offices and in close collaboration with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics (MoTL), successfully facilitated a high-level benchmark visit from Angolan government officials from 18-23 May 2026. The visit advanced South–South cooperation and strengthened technical exchange on sustainable transport and electric mobility. 

The delegation, comprising ten representatives from Angola’s transport, energy, environment, and regulatory institutions, including the National Agency for Land Transport (ANTT), IRSEA, and the Ministry of Energy and Water, visited Ethiopia under the project “Development of National Technical Standards and Certification Guidelines for Electric Vehicles, Batteries, and Charging Infrastructure for Angola.” The initiative aims to support Angola in building a robust, future-ready electric mobility ecosystem informed by African best practices. 

The delegation was received by GGGI Ethiopia and the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, alongside multiple public and private sector institutions. The visit combined high-level policy discussions with technical sessions and field visits, enabling participants to gain a holistic understanding of Ethiopia’s e-mobility ecosystem. 

Policy, Strategy, and Institutional Coordination 

During engagements with the Ministry, the delegation was introduced to Ethiopia’s evolving national e-mobility framework. Key lessons included the importance of strong cross-sectoral coordination between transport, energy, and industry institutions, as well as the need for clear governance structures, such as steering and technical committees, to guide implementation. 

The Ministry highlighted how Ethiopia has combined policy instruments to accelerate the shift toward electric mobility, including tax incentives for electric vehicles and the 2024 decision to restrict imports of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. These measures, alongside market-based charging tariffs, are helping create an enabling environment that balances consumer affordability and investor confidence. 

E-mobility was also presented as a central pillar of Ethiopia’s climate commitments, contributing to the country’s efforts to meet its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets and transition toward a low-carbon economy. 

Financing and System-Level Planning 

At the GGGI Ethiopia office, discussions focused on the Sustainable Urban Transport Project supporting electric Bus Rapid Transit (eBRT) development. Delegates learned the importance of system-wide planning, rather than isolated corridor development, to ensure long-term viability and scalability of urban transport solutions. 

Technical insights demonstrated the feasibility of electric buses in Addis Ababa’s challenging terrain, including high altitude and steep gradients. The sessions also emphasized the role of blended finance and bankable public-private partnership (PPP) models in mobilizing large-scale investment for sustainable transport infrastructure. 

Regulatory Frameworks and Charging Infrastructure 

At the Petroleum and Energy Authority, the delegation examined Ethiopia’s regulatory framework for EV charging systems under Directive No. 1034/2024. The directive establishes licensing requirements, technical standards, and safety specifications necessary for nationwide infrastructure rollout, while creating space for private sector participation. 

The Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU) provided further insights into charging infrastructure deployment and grid readiness. Delegates learned about EEU’s phased approach to building a national network of charging stations, with an initial plan for 40 stations, 32 in Addis Ababa and 8 in regional cities. 

The utility outlined multiple participation models, including Charge Point Operator, Joint Venture, and Build-Operate-Transfer schemes, and highlighted the importance of strategic site selection to maximize usage. Digital payment solutions such as Telebirr, along with time-of-use pricing, were presented as key tools to ensure operational efficiency and user convenience. 

At Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP), discussions focused on energy supply for e-mobility. Ethiopia’s renewable energy base, featuring nearly 10,000 MW of installed capacity and significant untapped hydropower potential, positions the country to support electrified transport with low-carbon electricity. Planning for future EV demand, as well as regional power interconnections, was highlighted as critical for long-term sustainability. 

Industry and Private Sector Engagement 

The delegation also engaged extensively with Ethiopia’s growing EV industry. At the BK Vehicles Assembly Plant, participants observed local electric vehicle assembly operations and learned how domestic assembly, through CKD/SKD models, can create jobs, build technical capacity, and reduce foreign exchange pressures. Strategic partnerships with international manufacturers were noted as important for technology transfer. 

At operational sites such as the EEU Kotebe charging station, the delegation experienced real-time charging infrastructure, including smart metering, 24/7 service availability, and digital payment integration. Ethio Telecom showcased its digital-first charging network, which integrates multiple providers through a unified platform. Operational data demonstrated rapid adoption, highlighting the role of digital systems in scaling EV infrastructure. 

The delegation also visited a solar-powered charging station under development at the Ministry of Mining, illustrating public sector leadership in promoting electric mobility. Additionally, a privately operated charging site in Addis Ababa provided insights into the commercial aspects of EV infrastructure, including investment costs, revenue generation, and complementary business models. 

Strengthening Regional Collaboration 

Throughout the visit, participants engaged in dynamic, two-way knowledge exchange. Ethiopian stakeholders shared practical implementation experiences, while the Angolan delegation contributed perspectives from their regulatory and operational contexts. 

During the closing session, H.E. Bareo Hassen, State Minister of Transport and Logistics, emphasized the importance of collaboration, “By sharing our experience in electric vehicle implementation, ranging from policy frameworks to infrastructure expansion, we aim to strengthen the country’s and continent’s transition to sustainable transport.” 

He also acknowledged GGGI’s continued support in advancing Ethiopia’s electric mobility agenda and encouraged further collaboration in implementing the country’s E-Mobility Strategy and Implementation Plan (2025–2030). 

The state minister presenting Ethiopian coffee as a gift to the team

The Angolan delegation commended Ethiopia’s progress, noting that strong political commitment, institutional coordination, and integrated policy frameworks are critical for successful e-mobility transitions. They also highlighted opportunities for deeper bilateral cooperation, including strengthening regional value chains, particularly in areas such as manufacturing inputs and materials. 

The visit concluded with a shared commitment to deepen cooperation between Angola and Ethiopia in sustainable transport, clean energy, and regulatory development. It underscored the value of South-South collaboration in accelerating Africa’s transition toward green, inclusive, and resilient transport systems.