Addis Ababa, November 25, 2024 (FBC) – 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,” held today at the African Union Headquarters.
Speaking at the occasion, Bareo highlighted the nation’s efforts to integrate electric mobility into its transportation system.
The symposium, which showcased the highlights of Ethiopia’s efforts and advancement in sustainable transportation and green mobility, brought together experts, government officials, and stakeholders to explore innovative approaches for the future of transportation in Ethiopia, according to ENA.
The Ethiopian government is pursuing policies and strategies to incorporate electric mobility into the transport sector, marking electric mobility as a key element in Ethiopia’s fight against climate change, the state minister elaborated.
Noting Ethiopia’s commitment to advancing electric mobility as a key element in the fight against climate change, he said that a number of private assembly factories have been growing from time to times.
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 is working towards modernizing its transport system through integrating air, railway and road networks.
Moreover, he 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 as an example, particularly its focus on electric mobility and renewable energy integration.
Kost emphasized that electrification alone is not enough and stressed 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.