Dodai Secures Green Light from Addis Ababa Transport Bureau to Scale Electric Mobility

Dodai Manufacturing PLC has officially secured approval from the Addis Ababa Transport Bureau to operate its electric motorbike venture. The agreement marks a turning point for the startup, which began operations in 2023 and has since emerged as a pioneering force in Ethiopia’s nascent e-mobility sector.

The partnership, announced yesterday, is the result of extensive engagement between Dodai and city authorities. It allows the company to begin wide-scale deployment of its electric motorbikes, alongside the expansion of its innovative battery swapping network across the capital.

Yabibal Addis, Head of the Addis Ababa Transport Bureau, confirmed the agreement and praised the company’s alignment with city standards. “Today, we validated that Dodai’s motorbikes meet our reliability and quality requirements,” he said. “Motor bikes are not open to general use due to policy constraints, but with this partnership, Dodai will be able to operate under structured parameters, supporting both the company’s growth and the country’s green transport goals.”

Currently, motorcycle access in Addis Ababa remains limited to specific users, including delivery companies, government offices, and registered private firms. However, Dodai’s commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and technological reliability helped the company meet the city’s strict regulatory framework.

Dodai CEO Yuma Sasaki emphasized the startup’s mission to build trust through performance. “Our bikes are equipped with GPS tracking, environmentally friendly, and designed to meet urban needs,” he told Ethiopian Business Review. “Earning trust from regulators is our top priority, once achieved, we expect to obtain full authorization for number plates and full-scale rollout.”

As part of the agreement, Dodai will begin official operations in Addis Ababa within the next six months. The company also plans to expand its battery swapping stations from the current count to 30–50 locations across the city, creating a seamless and convenient charging experience for riders.

In a gesture of support for public institutions and to reinforce its commitment to Addis Ababa’s green transition, Dodai is donating 40 electric motorbikes—without batteries—for pilot use. The donation aligns with the company’s broader effort to integrate its technology into public systems through an exclusive pilot program for its smart battery swapping service.

Dodai’s battery swap model allows riders to replace depleted batteries in seconds by visiting a swap station, paying a small fee via mobile, and receiving a fully charged unit—eliminating the delays and challenges associated with traditional charging infrastructure.