AMN PLUS-March 25/26
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has stated that Ethiopia’s ongoing transition to electric vehicles is a strategic long-term decision aimed at strengthening the country’s energy security.
Speaking in an interview on the shift from fuel-powered vehicles to electric mobility, the Prime Minister said that although the policy initially faced criticism, it remains the most viable solution for shielding Ethiopia’s economy from the impact of global fuel price volatility and geopolitical disruptions.
The Prime Minister noted that Ethiopia is not an oil-producing nation, stressing that the country remains vulnerable to external shocks whenever international fuel prices rise.
Abiy explained that relying on domestically generated renewable energy offers a sustainable way to curb inflationary pressure while reinforcing Ethiopia’s energy sovereignty.
“Even if the cost of fuel and electricity were the same, electric vehicles would still be preferable, because we produce the electricity here in our own country,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister further emphasized that the transition to electric vehicles will not only help reduce the significant amount of foreign currency spent on fuel imports, but will also generate major benefits in environmental protection and easing the cost-of-living burden on citizens.
The Prime Minister also noted that electric vehicles, with zero smoke emissions, reduced noise pollution, and significantly lower operating costs, present a major opportunity for both the nation and individual users.
Therefore, the Prime Minister underscored that the shift to electric vehicles is a smart strategic choice designed to lessen the pressure that sudden global crises place on citizens’ livelihoods and on the broader national economy.
By Birhanu Workneh
