Ethiopia is preparing to electrify its strategic trade corridor linking the country with Djibouti through a proposed multi-million-dollar electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure project. The initiative aligns with the government’s goals to reduce reliance on imported fuel, lower transportation costs, and expand renewable energy use in freight transport.
The Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU) has signed agreements with three Chinese companies—Huawei Technologies, Beijing Forever Technology, and China Road and Bridge Corporation—to conduct a feasibility study for developing an EV charging network along the Ethiopia–Djibouti corridor.
The proposed initiative will focus primarily on heavy-duty electric trucks, which transport the vast majority of Ethiopia’s imports and exports between the country’s industrial hubs and the Port of Djibouti.
Commenting on the agreements, EEU Chief Executive Officer Engineer Getu Geremew highlighted that the corridor is central to national economic activity, making the transition from diesel-powered freight transport to electric mobility a strategic imperative.
Getu explained that the study will evaluate the power infrastructure required to support heavy-duty electric vehicles, including transmission lines, substations, power supply capacity, and optimal locations and technical specifications for charging stations.
Unlike conventional EV charging facilities designed for passenger cars, the proposed corridor infrastructure must accommodate heavy trucks requiring multi-megawatt charging capacities.
“The objective is to electrify the Ethiopia–Djibouti corridor,” Getu said, noting that the study will examine both the technical requirements and investment models needed to establish facilities capable of serving heavy transport.
The project is also expected to involve cross-border cooperation with Djibouti, including the potential construction of at least one charging station on the Djiboutian side. Discussions are currently underway to coordinate infrastructure development across both nations.
According to Getu, the feasibility study is scheduled for completion within six months. Following its conclusion, project partners will evaluate the required investment, secure financing sources, and set an implementation timeline.
While the total project cost has not yet been finalized, the utility expects the eventual investment to reach millions of dollars. Financing options under consideration include partnerships with financial institutions, banks, and revenues generated by the utility itself.
Getu added that the transition could significantly curb national fuel import expenditures and generate employment through infrastructure construction, technology deployment, and maintenance services.
The corridor initiative comes as Ethiopia accelerates the expansion of its domestic EV charging network. The utility recently inaugurated 11 additional charging stations across several cities, including Addis Ababa, Bishoftu, Mojo, Adama, Batu, and Hawassa.
These newly inaugurated facilities can serve up to 96 vehicles simultaneously, bringing the utility’s active network to 14 stations capable of charging approximately 150 vehicles at a time.
In Addis Ababa, stations are situated in high-traffic zones, such as the area surrounding the new international convention center. Outside the capital, Bishoftu has emerged as a key node with two operational stations, while additional facilities in Mojo, Batu, Adama, and Hawassa extend coverage toward critical industrial routes.
EEU has identified several more cities for future expansion, including Mekelle, Gondar, Bahir Dar, Dessie, Kombolcha, Debre Berhan, Dire Dawa, Jigjiga, Jimma, Arba Minch, Wolaita Sodo, and Hossana.
Getu noted that the utility previously procured equipment for approximately 40 charging stations at an estimated cost of $10 million USD. With 14 to 15 stations operational, more than 10 additional facilities are currently under construction.The financial benefits of electric mobility are already proving tangible for users. Getu pointed out that charging an electric vehicle typically costs between 700 and 1,000 birr, compared to 4,000 to 5,000 birr for fuel on equivalent routes, depending on vehicle type and energy consumption. The utility’s charging tariff starts at 14 birr per kilowatt-hour, with rates adjusting for peak and off-peak hours.The expansion of EV infrastructure also ties into Ethiopia’s preparations to host the 32nd United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP32) in Addis Ababa in 2027. EEU emphasize that investments in electric mobility, renewable power, and charging infrastructure are designed to yield long-term economic and environmental dividends well beyond the international summit.