Ethiopia is set to start producing electric vehicles in Addis Ababa through a partnership with European manufacturer BattSwap Automotive, marking the firm’s first venture outside Europe. The initiative aims to position the country as a regional hub for sustainable transport and battery technology.

The project will use Ethiopia’s lithium and cobalt reserves to build a domestic EV value chain. A special economic zone in Addis Ababa will host the nation’s first battery R&D and manufacturing plant, intended to attract investment, transfer technology, and develop skilled labour.

The first phase, planned for 2026, includes a pilot fleet of 240 electric freight vehicles and ten automated battery-swap stations powered by renewable energy. The pilot will serve as a model for zero-emission logistics, with plans for regional expansion.

BattSwap, based in the Czech Republic with operations in Germany and the United States, is known for modular electric vans and rapid battery-swapping systems that reduce fleet downtime.

Bero Hassan, State Minister of Transport and Logistics, said the partnership supports Ethiopia’s ambition to lead Africa’s green mobility sector by transforming local resources into value-added innovations. Officials added that the collaboration will also foster research in electrochemistry and develop a sustainable model for green transport across the region.