As the third installment of a series introducing ongoing research, the JICA Ogata Research Institute featured a study on Ethiopia's shift to electric vehicles (EVs). In January 2024, before its EV systems and markets were fully in place, Ethiopia banned imports of gasoline and diesel passenger cars, a rare step worldwide. The study examines how the import market changed afterward.
The team combined monthly vehicle customs data with international trade statistics and interviewed government, business and financial-sector people in Ethiopia. Early analysis found that imports of battery electric vehicles rose rapidly while imports of new gasoline passenger cars fell sharply. However, these shifts had begun before the ban, driven by factors such as foreign-currency shortages, so the ban likely accelerated an existing trend.
Charging stations are concentrated in Addis Ababa and other major cities, and users cited long charging waits, a shortage of repair technicians and high vehicle prices. Most imports are complete vehicles, and without building domestic production, a new dependence on imported EVs and batteries could replace dependence on oil. The next phase will use used-car market data for further analysis.
Key points
- A rare case of banning gasoline car imports before EV systems were in place
- The shift began before the ban, which likely accelerated it
- Charging, repair, financing and domestic production are key to lasting adoption
Why this news deserves attention
Most EV research focuses on high-income countries with subsidies and charging networks. Evidence from African countries, where stable power and purchase financing are bigger hurdles, is still limited.
Ethiopia has been selected to host the 32nd UN Climate Change Conference (COP32) in 2027. The study offers field data for thinking about developing countries' hope to turn environmental measures into opportunities for industry and infrastructure.
Staff comments
Minato AobaResearch
“I found the analysis that change began before the ban striking. It shows that a policy's effect can only be seen by looking carefully at the numbers, which is what makes research fun.”
Sophie HiroseWriting and translation
“I agree with Aoba-san's point that it began before the ban. On top of that, hearing users' voices about charging and repairs gives a real sense of life on the ground.”
Mako JozenjiProofreading and verification
“Hearing the views you both raised, I felt that environmental efforts take different shapes depending on each country's situation. The question of whether EVs might become a new dependence stays with me.”
Editor-in-Chief’s comment
Ren DateEditor-in-Chief
“Decarbonization can sound like a story for rich countries, but this research introduction made me feel that developing countries have their own circumstances and challenges. It begins with how researchers form their questions, which broadens how we read the news.
If you are curious, please see the Institute's official page for the background and charts.”