(DDM) – Ethiopia has taken a bold and historic step toward clean transportation as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announces a nationwide ban on the importation of fuel-powered trucks, expanding the country’s electric mobility transition.
DDM gathered that the Prime Minister made the announcement during a televised address in Addis Ababa, declaring that the move aligns with his administration’s vision to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and cut down fuel import expenses draining the nation’s foreign reserves.
According to Abiy, the new directive will take immediate effect, prohibiting the importation of trucks powered by petrol or diesel engines, while gradually phasing out existing fuel-dependent fleets.
He said the decision forms part of a broader national plan to promote electric mobility and support domestic industries producing electric vehicles, spare parts, and charging infrastructure.
The Prime Minister noted that Ethiopia spends billions annually on petroleum imports, stressing that redirecting those funds into renewable energy and manufacturing would strengthen the national economy and protect the environment.
Under the new regulation, only electric or hybrid trucks will be permitted for import, with the government expected to roll out incentives for investors in the electric vehicle sector.
Environmental groups and climate advocates have praised the initiative as a progressive policy capable of positioning Ethiopia as one of Africa’s leading clean energy economies.
They argue that the move will significantly reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality in major cities, and contribute to meeting global climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
However, transport operators and logistics firms have appealed to the federal government to provide tax waivers, subsidies, and soft loans to ease the cost of transitioning to electric trucks.
Industry experts also warn that adequate charging infrastructure, stable electricity supply, and spare parts availability must be guaranteed for the policy to succeed.
Ethiopia’s latest decision follows earlier bans on fuel-powered private cars and motorcycles as part of its multi-phase National Green Transport Strategy introduced in 2023.
By taking this step, Ethiopia joins nations such as Norway, China, and Kenya that are aggressively pursuing zero-emission transport systems across their economies.
Observers say the move could set a powerful precedent for other African nations seeking to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.
If successfully implemented, analysts predict the policy could save Ethiopia hundreds of millions of dollars annually in fuel imports while creating thousands of jobs in renewable energy manufacturing and maintenance.
The government has also hinted at plans to collaborate with local universities and global automotive companies to train technicians and accelerate electric vehicle adoption.
Experts believe Ethiopia’s ambitious policy may mark the beginning of a continent-wide shift toward sustainable transport, positioning the Horn of Africa nation as a regional model for green innovation.
The post Ethiopia Bans Importation Of Fuel-Powered Trucks Nationwide first appeared on Diaspora Digital Media DDM.
