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Ethiopia, a nation of over 126 million people in East Africa, has made a groundbreaking decision to become the first country in the world to ban the import of petrol and diesel cars. This bold policy, introduced last year, aims to shift the country towards electric vehicles (EVs) as a way to reduce its dependence on costly imported fuel and take advantage of cheap, renewable energy. With the recent opening of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which can generate over 5,000 megawatts of power, Ethiopia hopes to double its electricity supply and power a cleaner, more sustainable transport system.

The move comes at a critical time for Ethiopia, which spends around 4.5 billion dollars annually on fuel imports—a significant strain on an economy short of foreign currency. For years, drivers have endured long queues at petrol stations, often waiting hours only to find supplies have run out. Meanwhile, power shortages affect nearly half the population, with frequent blackouts even in the capital, Addis Ababa. By promoting EVs, the government seeks to address these issues, leveraging the country’s abundant hydropower to fuel vehicles at a lower cost.

So far, around 115,000 electric cars are on Ethiopian roads, with an ambitious target of 500,000 by 2030. In Addis Ababa, drivers like architect Deghareg Bekele are delighted to skip fuel queues and save money by charging their cars for much less. However, the transition faces significant hurdles. Outside the capital, owning an EV is challenging due to a severe lack of infrastructure. With just over 100 charging stations nationwide—far short of the goal of 2,300—rural areas are particularly disadvantaged. Power outages remain common, and the national grid requires billions of dollars in investment to expand. Additionally, despite tax exemptions, EVs are still unaffordable for most Ethiopians.

Ethiopia’s commitment to green energy and economic savings is clear, but the path to a fully electric future is far from smooth. While the policy showcases innovation and ambition, it also raises questions about whether a country with limited infrastructure can sustain such a rapid shift. As Ethiopia pushes forward, the world watches to see if this pioneering move will inspire others or highlight the challenges of such a dramatic change.