Dodai Manufacturing Plc, a leader in Ethiopia’s electric mobility sector, has announced a landmark partnership with the Addis Ababa Transportation Bureau following the recent termination of its agreement with Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH). The new collaboration aims to accelerate the adoption of sustainable urban transport in the capital by introducing a pilot program featuring 40 electric motorcycles and a cutting-edge battery swapping network.
The pilot initiative, unveiled at an official ceremony at Dodai’s Haile Garment facility, marks a significant step toward modernizing the city’s transport system. The donated motorcycles, though provided without batteries, are fully compatible with Dodai’s advanced battery swapping infrastructure. This system allows riders to quickly exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones at designated stations, reducing wait times and minimizing maintenance risks.
“This donation and pilot project demonstrate our commitment to modernizing urban transport, fostering sustainability, and empowering young people through e-mobility,” said Dodai CEO Yuma Sasaki during the launch event. The project is expected to serve as a model for future expansion, with public sales anticipated to begin in the next three to four months, pending successful completion of the pilot and approval from the Transportation Bureau.
Dodai’s renewed focus on Addis Ababa comes after the expiration of its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with EIH on March 22, 2025. The previous agreement aimed to establish a nationwide battery swapping network, but was dissolved as EIH shifted its strategy toward a broader venture capital fund for sustainable transport. Dodai Group, originally a Japanese firm, cited a move toward “alternative strategic opportunities” in international markets as its reason for ending the partnership.
Despite the end of the EIH deal, Dodai has reaffirmed its commitment to Ethiopia’s electric mobility future. The company’s innovative battery swapping model is designed to address common barriers to electric vehicle adoption, such as lengthy charging times and limited battery life, making electric motorcycles more practical for daily use in the city.
The Addis Ababa Transportation Bureau and other city institutions have welcomed the initiative, viewing it as a step forward in the city’s efforts to reduce emissions, modernize public transport, and create new economic opportunities. The pilot program will also provide valuable data and feedback to inform the city’s broader e-mobility strategy.
