Ethiopia: Huajian Group Sets Bold Plan to Kickstart Ev Assembly, Manufacturing

18 June 2025
The Ethiopian Herald (Addis Ababa)
By Tsegaye TILAHUN

· New policy shift fuels green investment, e-mobility transition

- The Huajian Group has announced an ambitious plan to establish electric vehicle (EV) assembly and manufacturing operations in Ethiopia, aligning with the country's green energy agenda and newly introduced investment incentives.

Speaking to The Ethiopian Herald, the Huajian Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Vice President Ambassador Teferi Meles said the group has already begun importing and selling GAC-brand EVs in Ethiopia and aims to gradually transition toward local assembly and eventual manufacturing.

"We are not only introducing EVs to the market but laying the foundation for a domestic EV industry," Teferi noted. "Our long-term plan is to develop full-scale local manufacturing of electric vehicles."

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Ethiopia's recent policy shift to ban the importation of non-electric vehicles and offering tax reductions for EV is seen as a key driver for this development. These measures are part of the government's broader strategy to accelerate the transition to green transport and promote renewable energy-based industrialization.

"Ethiopia's pro-EV policy, tax incentives, and commitment to renewable energy make the country a highly attractive destination for EV investment," Teferi added. "Such measures not only support the Huajian Group's ambitions but will also attract other global players in the sector."

Currently, Chinese EVs dominate global markets, with the GAC Group commanding a 60% share in 2023 alone. The recent opening of a GAC Group branch in Ethiopia is expected to improve consumer access to affordable, high-quality EVs by eliminating intermediaries.

The Huajian Group's collaboration with Guangzhou Automotive Corporation (GAC) marks a significant step in Ethiopia's push to become a hub for green manufacturing.

Speaking at the launch event, Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC) Commissioner Zeleke Temesgen (PhD) highlighted the government's efforts to boost Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) through key reforms.

"Over the past six years, Ethiopia has taken bold steps to improve its investment climate-liberalizing key sectors like banking and trade and offering tax incentives to attract strategic investors," Zeleke said.

"These reforms demonstrate our strong commitment to building a modern, inclusive, and sustainable economy."

With Huajian's entry into the EV market and the growing interest from international automakers, Ethiopia is positioning itself as a rising player in the global green mobility revolution.

Read the original article on Ethiopian Herald.

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