Addis Ababa: State Minister of Transport and Logistics, Bareo Hassen, emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and improving urban mobility through green transport solutions. The Ethiopia-E Mobility Symposium, titled “Pioneering Green Mobility: The Ethiopian Experience,” was held today at the African Union Headquarters.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Bareo highlighted the nation’s efforts to integrate electric mobility into its transportation system. The symposium, which showcased Ethiopia’s progress in sustainable transportation and green mobility, brought together experts, government officials, and stakeholders to explore innovative approaches for the future of transportation in Ethiopia. The Ethiopian government is pursuing policies and strategies to incorporate electric mobility into the transport sector, marking it as a key element in Ethiopia’s fight against climate change, the state minister elaborated.
He noted Ethiopia’s commitment to advancing electric mobility and mentio
ned the growth of private assembly factories. The state minister discussed the government’s vision to expand electric vehicle infrastructure, invest in clean energy technologies, and foster public-private partnerships to promote green transportation. He added that Ethiopia aims to modernize its transport system by integrating air, railway, and road networks.
Moreover, the state minister elaborated on how Ethiopia is leveraging its renewable energy resources, such as hydro and wind power, to support the transition to electric mobility. This, he said, would reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels and help mitigate environmental impacts.
Christopher Kost, Africa Programme Director at the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy, praised Ethiopia’s efforts as a model for the rest of Africa. He urged other African nations to follow Ethiopia’s example, particularly its focus on electric mobility and renewable energy integration. Kost emphasized that electrification alone is not enough and stres
sed the need for a shift toward sustainable modes of transport. “We need a combined effort to electrify and shift to sustainable modes of transportation. It’s not enough to electrify alone,” he stated.
He also called for a paradigm shift in urban planning and mobility, advocating for cities that are walkable, centered around public transport, and accessible to all residents, not just those with high incomes.