Ethiopia this year became first country in the world to ban imports of petrol and diesel vehicles – marking a dramatic shift towards electric ones. The bold move aims to boost the economy and protect the environment, but it also faces significant challenges in a nation where only half the population has access to electricity.
Ethiopia's reliance on fuel imports has been a drain on its economy. In 2023, the country spent over €5.5 billion on petrol and diesel imports, with more than half used for vehicles.
