Addis Ababa, June 17, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia has inaugurated a new fast electric vehicle (EV) charging center in Addis Ababa with the capacity to charge 24 vehicles simultaneously, marking a major step in expanding the country’s charging infrastructure to support the rapid growth of electric mobility and advance its green economy agenda.
Developed by the Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU) in collaboration with the Ethiopian Industrial Parks Development Corporation (IPDC), the facility is expected to strengthen the country’s electric vehicle ecosystem while contributing to the implementation of the Digital Ethiopia 2030 Strategy.
Speaking to Fana Media Corporation, Ethiopian Electric Utility Chief Executive Officer Engineer Getu Geremew said the utility is investing in large-scale charging infrastructure to improve accessibility for EV users, enhance customer service, and support Ethiopia’s broader climate resilience and green development agenda.
He noted that more than 140,000 electric vehicles have already been imported into Ethiopia, while charging infrastructure has yet to keep pace with the country’s rapidly growing EV fleet.
To bridge that gap, Getu said the utility is constructing 40 public charging stations in the first phase of its nationwide rollout, including 32 in Addis Ababa and eight in major regional cities.
According to the CEO, the newly inaugurated facility complements the Kotebe, Yelebu and Piassa charging stations, which became operational earlier this fiscal year in Addis Ababa.
He added that additional charging stations currently under construction in Bishoftu, Mojo, Batu, Adama, Shashemene and Hawassa will be completed and brought into service in the coming months, further expanding Ethiopia’s EV charging network.
The charging centers already completed will operate seven days a week under a time-of-use electricity tariff with three pricing categories.
Under the tariff structure, charging from 4:00 p.m. to midnight will cost 14.85 birr per kilowatt-hour (kWh). The rate will be 16.57 birr per kWh between 4:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., while charging during 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and midnight to 4:00 a.m. will cost 18.28 birr per kWh.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Ethiopian Industrial Parks Development Corporation Chief Executive Officer Fisseha Yitagesu described the charging station as an important milestone in supporting Ethiopia’s industrialization drive.
He said the initiative aligns with the corporation’s Eco Industrial Park vision and reflects the growing collaboration between the two institutions in promoting sustainable industrial development.
State Minister of Transport and Logistics Ber’o Hassen also underscored the strategic importance of the partnership, describing the project as a significant foundation for Ethiopia’s transport sector.
He said the continued expansion of EV charging infrastructure demonstrates the country’s commitment to green development, climate action and the Green Legacy Initiative, reaffirming the ministry’s support for the sector’s continued growth.
The expansion of fast-charging infrastructure is expected to improve convenience for electric vehicle owners while accelerating Ethiopia’s transition to cleaner, more sustainable transportation.