Green Motion Ethiopia and Ethiopian Airlines have signed a strategic partnership that will allow travelers to earn ShebaMiles points through car rental services, in a move that links air travel with ground transportation and reflects Ethiopia’s shift toward greener mobility.
The agreement, announced on April 14, 2026, comes as Ethiopia’s transport sector undergoes rapid change following the government’s ban on importing internal combustion engine vehicles in 2024. The policy has accelerated demand for electric vehicles and pushed rental companies to modernize their fleets and services.
Green Motion Ethiopia said 70% to 80% of its current fleet is fully electric, positioning the company among the private-sector players adapting quickly to the country’s EV transition. Company officials said the move supports Ethiopia’s climate commitments and broader efforts to reduce transport emissions.
Richard Lowden, founder of Green Motion, said the company supports Ethiopia’s electric vehicle policy and aims to minimize the environmental impact of its services. He said the gradual expansion of renewable energy infrastructure would further reduce emissions from the sector.
Under the new partnership, Ethiopian Airlines’ ShebaMiles members will earn one mile for every dollar spent at Green Motion branches in Ethiopia and at the company’s locations abroad. Green Motion Ethiopia General Manager Bizuayehu Tadesse said the arrangement is designed to reward loyal customers while making travel more seamless for both business and leisure passengers.
He said the deal creates a direct link between aviation and sustainable ground mobility, adding that travelers can now accumulate miles even when they are not flying.
The partnership also reflects growing private-sector interest in Ethiopia’s electric vehicle market. Banks including Zemen Bank and Dashen Bank are increasingly offering financing for EV purchases, making it easier for rental operators and consumers to manage the high upfront cost of electric mobility.
