China's GAC Group Launches Vehicles in Addis Ababa

Posted on : Thursday , 3rd July 2025

As part of its move into the East African market, Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (GAC Group), a Chinese carmaker, has brought two of its electric vehicle (EV) models to Ethiopia.

The company displayed its AION Y and ES9 models at a launch ceremony in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.

Speaking at the event, Zeleke Temesgen, commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission, said the government has made strong steps to encourage EV adoption in order to accelerate the country's transition to electric vehicles.

In order to take advantage of favorable investment and substantial market potential and expedite Ethiopia's shift to green mobility, the commissioner commended GAC Group for its commitment to launching its EV brand in Ethiopia and urged the company to set up a manufacturing facility.

The government wants to achieve green mobility "in the shortest time possible" in order to save energy and boost the country's economy, according to Bareo Hassen, Ethiopia's state minister of transportation and logistics.

More than 100,000 EVs are presently on Ethiopian roads as part of the government's campaign to switch to electric transportation. The country hopes to have up to 500,000 EVs in the next ten years, replacing the majority of fossil fuel-powered vehicles.

Ethiopia is also working to expand the number of public charging stations and EV production, according to the Ministry of Transport and Logistics. It is also providing assistance and other incentives to private investors, including free or leased land for those who invest in EV after-sales services.

Through its partner Huajian Group, GAC International will sell electric vehicles, provide charging stations, and begin local assembly activities in Ethiopia, said Wei Haigang, president of GAC International.

Wei noted Ethiopia's enormous EV market potential and stated that GAC Group will produce EVs in the future to capitalize on the market and contribute in the nation's shift to electric vehicles.