Addis Ababa — Ethiopia’s electric mobility policies are serving as a model for other African nations as they develop their own frameworks for expanding green transportation, according to Nigerian mobility entrepreneur Damilola Odunlade-Akeju.
Speaking at the Nordic-Africa EV Summit in Ethiopia, Odunlade-Akeju, founder and CEO of DriveMe Mobility, highlighted how African cities and countries are increasingly turning to Ethiopia’s policy direction while reviewing measures to accelerate electric mobility adoption.
Ethiopia’s experience demonstrates the critical role of government policy in creating an environment that supports the growth of green transportation, particularly as other African countries consider how to structure their own e-mobility sectors.
“Government policy will drive the adoption and advancement of e-mobility across Africa,” Odunlade-Akeju said, emphasizing that clear policy direction is essential for building confidence among private-sector investors.
Policy certainty encourages private companies to invest in electric mobility by providing a clearer framework for market development and long-term participation. Ethiopia’s experience offers valuable lessons for other African countries, as government policy must be supported by measures that promote standardization, ensuring that different stakeholders can operate within a coherent e-mobility system.
While government policy provides the regulatory framework, private-sector initiatives are equally contributing to the development of the sector. The combination of government direction and private-sector innovation is crucial for accelerating the transition, with appropriate policies ensuring that the emerging sector develops in a coordinated manner.
Odunlade-Akeju cited Addis Ababa’s growing use of electric buses as a prime example of how green mobility can be integrated into public transportation. Mass transit systems can significantly increase the adoption of electric mobility. Having observed the city’s electric buses firsthand, he noted that the expansion of electric public transport provides a practical dimension to Ethiopia’s broader e-mobility policy approach.
Strengthening understanding and awareness of green transportation, alongside supportive policies and mass-transit solutions, can help African countries advance their transition toward electric mobility.
Norwegian mobility advisor Jan Tore Gjøby also highlighted Ethiopia’s emerging experience, stating that the country should develop solutions tailored to its needs while considering their potential relevance to the wider African market.
Gjøby emphasized the importance of clear roadmaps, regulatory requirements, and common standards as Ethiopia expands its electric mobility infrastructure. According to him, coordinated systems are necessary to ensure that electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, and electricity networks work together effectively.
