EKA Mobility, one of India's leading manufacturers of electric buses and commercial vehicles, and Kerchanshe Trading PLC, Ethiopia's largest and most diversified business group, have entered into a landmark agreement to establish distribution, assembly, and after-sales operations for EKA vehicles across East Africa.
The agreement was signed at a ceremony held in Dubai, where Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Founder and Chairman of EKA Mobility, and Dr. Israel Dejene, CEO and Chairman of Kerchanshe Trading PLC, signed the partnership in the presence of senior leadership teams from both organizations.
EKA Mobility brings proven expertise in electric buses, small commercial vehicles, and 3-wheelers, backed by advanced R&D capabilities and a rapidly expanding manufacturing base in India. Kerchanshe Trading PLC, Ethiopia's largest coffee exporter and a leader in agriculture, construction, and automotive sectors, is among East Africa's most respected conglomerates, with extensive experience in industrial operations and vehicle assembly.
Through this partnership, EKA and Kerchanshe aim to accelerate the adoption of sustainable transportation solutions across East Africa. The collaboration roadmap includes establishing a local CKD assembly plant for EKA vehicles in Ethiopia, launching distribution and service operations across Ethiopia and neighboring markets, and introducing a comprehensive range of clean, electric mobility products tailored to meet regional requirements.
Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Founder & Chairman of EKA Mobility, said: "Our partnership with Kerchanshe Group is a proud milestone in EKA's journey to democratize sustainable mobility across global markets. Ethiopia, with its growing industrial base and focus on clean energy, is the ideal hub for our East African operations. Together, we aim to create not just vehicles, but a cleaner, more inclusive future for mobility in East Africa."
Mr. Israel Degefa, CEO and President of Kerchanshe Group, added: "With this collaboration, we are laying the groundwork for a new era of electric mobility in East Africa. By combining EKA's innovative electric vehicle technology with our local expertise in assembly and distribution, we are creating a robust ecosystem that supports green mobility, industrial growth, and job creation."
This collaboration marks a significant step toward building a long-term, sustainable electric mobility ecosystem in East Africa. By combining EKA Mobility's cutting-edge EV technology with Kerchanshe's deep local market expertise, the partnership seeks to position Ethiopia as a central hub for sustainable vehicle manufacturing and clean transportation in the region.
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