Ethiopia bans non-electric trucks

From the newsletter

Only electric trucks will be imported into Ethiopia following the country’s new ban on fuel truck imports. This was announced by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed this month. It follows the ban on fuel passenger vehicles in January 2024. Ethiopia has progressively widened the ban to cover various vehicle types, including those used by diplomatic missions and international organisations. 

• Ethiopia’s ban on fuel trucks is aimed at saving the country foreign exchange. Trucks are heavy users of diesel, which Ethiopia imports at a huge cost. Electric trucks will be using its cheap, abundant and locally-generated electricity.  

• Since the start of the ban on non-electric cars, Ethiopia has tripled its EV count from an estimated 4,600 in 2023 to about 14,000 in mid-2025. The ban on fuel trucks is expected to increase electric trucks sales, though not without pain.  

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