The launch reinforces Ethio Telecom's continued commitment to its Digital Ethiopia vision. As electric vehicle adoption accelerates in Ethiopia, this presents Ethio Telecom with an opportunity to enhance engagement with its services, drive financial inclusion, and expand its customer base.

Ethio Telecom has unveiled its second ultra-fast EV charging station, strategically located along the Megenagna–Bole road in Addis Ababa. This latest addition, announced on April 8, doubles Ethio Telecom’s capacity to support green mobility.

Combined with the previously launched Bole–Megenagna station (opened on February 11, 2025), the network can now simultaneously charge up to 32 vehicles, providing a major convenience for drivers while supporting broader environmental goals, the company revealed.

The new charging station supports European electric vehicle models and is equipped with compatible EU Ultra-Fast EV chargers. It includes four ultra-fast chargers with up to 600 kW capacity, capable of fully charging compatible vehicles within 15 minutes, depending on the model. This ensures rapid recharges, particularly benefiting public transport buses by allowing them to save time and stay on schedule.

The station operates 24/7 and is fully integrated with telebirr, Ethio Telecom’s digital payment platform. This allows customers to pay for charging services quickly and conveniently. Drivers can independently charge their vehicles and complete payments through telebirr, eliminating the need for cash or on-site staff. Real-time monitoring and efficient station management are also enabled through the telebirr SuperApp, which functions across fiber, 4G, or 5G networks. Additionally, the station features NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, supporting tap-to-charge and smart authentication for faster, more secure user access.

The integration of Ethio Telecom’s EV charging stations with telebirr represents a significant step in diversifying its business operations while driving growth. By offering a fully digital, self-service charging experience, Ethio Telecom taps into the growing electric vehicle ecosystem and expands its role in the green energy sector.

Ethiopia became the first nation to ban the import of gasoline and diesel vehicles, signaling a decisive shift toward sustainable energy solutions. In early 2024, the transport and logistics ministry took the radical step of banning all imports of petrol and diesel vehicles, which has forced Ethiopian drivers to convert to electric vehicles. This measure was taken to reduce fuel imports and address the country's ongoing foreign currency shortage.

By making it easier for drivers to charge their vehicles and complete transactions digitally, Ethio Telecom boosts engagement with its services and increases the usage of telebirr. As more consumers and businesses adopt telebirr for EV charging payments and other services, it deepens the integration of mobile money into everyday transactions, driving greater financial inclusion across the country.

For Ethio Telecom, a surge in telebirr adoption reinforces its leadership position in the digital payment space, increasing the platform’s user base and transaction volume. This, in turn, leads to higher revenue streams from transaction fees and potential partnerships with businesses that wish to leverage telebirr for payments.

Hikmatu Bilali