Can Ethiopia produce EV batteries?

The potential for local EV battery production in Ethiopia is rooted in the country’s natural resources. Geological surveys have identified high-grade lithium and cobalt reserves in several regions, primarily in the southern and eastern parts of the country.

Where is lithium found in Ethiopia?

In Ethiopia lithium minerals (lepidolite, spodumene) are found together with tantalite in the Kenticha pegmatite deposit (Tadesse, 2001). No economic extraction of lithium exists in Ethiopia at the moment; the pegmatite deposit is only mined for niobite/tantalite.

How would Ethiopia develop a battery industry?

Ethiopia would need to establish mineral extraction and processing facilities and state-of-the-art battery production manufacturing plants. This would necessitate significant financial resources and the acquisition of technical expertise and technology transfer from established players in the global battery industry.

Could EV batteries reshape Ethiopia's industrial landscape?

In a move that could reshape its industrial landscape, Ethiopia is setting its sights on a new frontier: the local production of electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

Can EV batteries reduce pollution in Ethiopia?

“EVs have now been introduced in our country, which is a positive step toward reducing pollution,” he notes. The potential for local EV battery production in Ethiopia is rooted in the country’s natural resources.

Could Ethiopia be a major player in EV battery supply chain?

This could position Ethiopia as a major player in the global supply chain for EV battery materials, particularly if the government encourages exploration and foreign investment in these areas.