Utopia Technology’s CEO Advocates for Electric Mobility at Landmark Conference
Addis Ababa, September 30, 2020
In a significant stride towards transforming Ethiopia’s transportation landscape, a pivotal Electric Mobility conference was held at the prestigious Sheraton Hotel on September 30, 2020. The event, organized by the Minister of Transport, brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and visionaries to discuss the future of electric vehicles (EVs) in the country.
Representing Utopia Technology PLC, Mr. Adonic Worku, the company’s CEO, took the stage to passionately advocate for the benefits of EVs and address the challenges faced by the sector. In his insightful address, Mr. Adonic highlighted the paradox of higher taxes imposed on imported and assembled cars, despite the acute transport shortage in Ethiopia, where only 1% of the population owns a vehicle.
Mr. Adonic’s vision is clear – to empower young and hard-working Ethiopians to own their dream cars at affordable prices, coupled with convenient payment settlement opportunities. He emphasized the urgent need to alleviate the long queues of city dwellers waiting for taxis by promoting electric mobility.
One of the key proposals put forth by Mr. Adonic during the conference was a call for the first 10,000 or 100,000 electric vehicles, whether imported or assembled locally, to be exempt from import duties. This strategic move aims to kickstart the widespread adoption of EVs, addressing the transport shortage and promoting sustainable mobility in the country.
Furthermore, Mr. Adonic stressed the importance of developing Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) as a critical infrastructure to support the growing demand for EVs. He underlined the need for collaboration between the private sector and government entities to raise awareness and facilitate the smooth integration of EVs into Ethiopian society.
Her Excellency Dagmawit Moges Bekele, the Minister of Transport and Logistics, echoed the sentiment of support from the government. She affirmed that if the private sector plays a proactive role, the government is ready to provide incentives and promote the growth of the electric vehicle industry. This collaborative approach signifies a crucial step towards achieving a sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation ecosystem in Ethiopia.
As Utopia Technology continues to spearhead the electric mobility revolution in the region, Mr. Adonic’s advocacy at the Electric Mobility conference marks a pivotal moment in shaping policies and initiatives that will drive the future of transportation in Ethiopia. The event has set the stage for constructive dialogue and collaboration between the public and private sectors to realize the dream of affordable, accessible, and sustainable electric mobility for all Ethiopians.
