EKA Enters Ethiopia: Partners with Kerchanshe to Build East Africa’s EV Ecosystem

Indian EV manufacturer EKA Mobility has partnered with Ethiopia’s Kerchanshe Group to assemble and distribute electric vehicles across East Africa, starting with a local plant in Ethiopia.

Key Highlights:
– Indian EV maker EKA Mobility and Ethiopia’s Kerchanshe Group announce partnership
– Goal: Assemble, distribute, and service electric buses, trucks and commercial vehicles in East Africa
– A local assembly plant to be set up in Ethiopia
– Combines Indian EV tech + Ethiopian industrial strength
– Potential boost for jobs, clean mobility, and regional growth

EKA Mobility, an Indian electric vehicle manufacturer, has partnered with Kerchanshe Trading PLC, one of East Africa’s largest business groups, to bring electric mobility solutions to the region. The deal was signed on October 13, 2025, in Dubai.

Under the agreement, both companies plan to set up local infrastructure in Ethiopia, including a Completely Knocked Down (CKD) assembly facility for EKA vehicles, as well as comprehensive distribution and after-sales service networks to serve both the Ethiopian market and neighboring countries across East Africa.

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What the Partnership Includes

• Setting up a local assembly facility for EKA’s electric vehicles in Ethiopia
• Expanding distribution and service networks across East Africa
• Rolling out region-specific EVs for commercial use

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About EKA Mobility and Kerchanshe Group

EKA Mobility

• Backed by: Mitsui & Co. (Japan), VDL Groep (Netherlands), and Pinnacle Industries (India)
• Specializes in: Electric buses, trucks, small commercial vehicles, and 3-wheelers
• Known for: Modular design and lean manufacturing to reduce costs

Kerchanshe Group

• One of East Africa’s top conglomerates
• Operates in: Coffee export, real estate, logistics, manufacturing, and renewable energy
• Strong local presence in vehicle assembly and industrial operations

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What the Leaders Are Saying

“Ethiopia’s clean energy and industrial growth make it ideal for our East African operations.”
— Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Founder & Chairman, EKA Mobility

“This is a fusion of cutting-edge EV tech and local expertise to push green mobility in East Africa.”
— Mr. Israel Degefa, CEO & President, Kerchanshe Group

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Why This Partnership Matters

• Sustainability: Push toward green transportation
• Job creation: Local assembly = local employment
• Regional growth: Boost to infrastructure and clean energy adoption
• EV ecosystem: Building long-term capacity for manufacturing and maintenance