In a significant step towards greener urban mobility, Ethiopia has officially launched East Africa’s largest electric bus operation project, following the handover of 100 fully electric buses by China’s Xiamen Golden Dragon Bus Co Ltd to Belayneh Kinde Group (BKG).
The handover ceremony took place in Addis Ababa, signalling a new era in sustainable public transportation for the region.
This landmark partnership between China and Ethiopia is not only a testament to the deepening bilateral cooperation but also a key milestone for green infrastructure development in Africa. The project makes Addis Ababa the first city in East Africa to roll out large-scale deployment of pure electric buses—a crucial step in reducing urban emissions, lowering operational costs, and promoting clean energy solutions in the transport sector.
The 100 Golden Dragon electric buses will enhance Addis Ababa’s mass transit capacity while significantly cutting down carbon emissions and air pollutants. Each vehicle is designed for high-efficiency performance and is equipped with modern features to improve passenger comfort and operational reliability.
As Ethiopia faces mounting urbanisation and traffic congestion challenges, the shift towards electric mobility offers long-term economic and environmental benefits. It aligns closely with Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative and the country’s broader commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change.
BKG’s collaboration with Xiamen Golden Dragon also reflects a growing trend of African companies leveraging Chinese technology and investment to accelerate infrastructure development. It positions Addis Ababa as a regional leader in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, setting a precedent for neighbouring countries eyeing clean transport solutions.
The initiative is expected to create hundreds of local jobs, boost energy efficiency, and foster innovation within Ethiopia’s budding EV ecosystem. More importantly, it lays the foundation for scalable green transport models across the continent.
Further Africa
