@AddisAbabaCity – Ethiopian Business Review

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.

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The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) and the Addis Ababa City Administration signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Friday to finance housing for more than 41,000 government employees under the 25/75 cost-sharing program.

As part of the agreement, CBE will provide 120 billion birr in long-term financing, with a 20-year repayment period and favorable interest rates. The loan is expected to ease the persistent housing shortages faced by civil servants in the capital.

CBE President Ato Abe Sano said the initiative demonstrates the bank’s commitment to social development and financial inclusion. “We are offering this financing not just to build houses, but to solve a long-standing problem that affects public service delivery and worker morale,” he stated during the ceremony.

He also urged the city administration to accelerate the housing construction process and deliver the promised units swiftly.

Ms. Kidist WoldeSelassie, Head of the Housing Development Bureau, welcomed the partnership and said the city will prioritize teachers in the first phase of the program. “We’re prepared to move quickly and ensure these homes are delivered within a short time frame,” she added.

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In a significant step toward alleviating urban transport challenges, Ethiopia’s Transport and Logistics Service Improvement Council has reported the deployment of 100 electric buses in Addis Ababa and the ongoing procurement of an additional 100 buses. The update came during the Council’s nine-month performance review meeting, attended by its Chairman, Engineer Tsedeke Yehune, Minister of Transport and Logistics Dr. Alemu Sime, and key sector leaders.

The report highlights that the 100 electric buses currently in operation are collectively transporting over 96,000 passengers per day, providing a much-needed boost to the city’s congested public transport system. The initiative not only addresses chronic service shortages but also aligns with national ambitions to promote clean and efficient mobility.

To further respond to public demand and persistent service gaps, the Ministry has initiated the procurement of another 100 buses, targeting the most underserved areas of the capital. This dual action—deployment and procurement—marks a coordinated effort to expand capacity and restore public confidence in mass transport.

In addition to expanding fleet capacity, the Council revealed ongoing efforts to modernize the logistics ecosystem through the development of an integrated digital transport management system. This system aims to streamline freight transport services, enhance efficiency, and combat corruption through digital tracking and service automation.

A sector-wide service delivery survey presented during the session also pointed to improvements in urban transport operations, particularly in reducing complaints related to bus accessibility, skipped stops, and inconsistent service. While progress has been noted, the Council acknowledged that gaps remain and called for sustained attention to service quality.

Key institutions—including the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority, Ethio-Djibouti Transport Authority, and the Ministry of Transport and Logistics—were credited for making gradual improvements in service delivery. However, Council members stressed the need for continued modernization and institutional accountability.

Minister Dr. Alemu Sime emphasized that the sector is entering a critical phase of transformation. “The progress recorded over the past nine months is encouraging. These improvements must not be reversed, and all stakeholders should remain committed to further advancing the sector,” he said.

Council Chairman Engineer Tsedeke Yehune echoed the importance of stakeholder engagement, urging members to continue supporting reform efforts and to serve as vigilant observers in the journey toward a more responsive and competitive transport system.

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

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