HEINEKEN Ethiopia has introduced 65 electric vehicles into its operational fleet as part of a broader strategy to decarbonise its operations and value chain, reinforcing the company’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions across its business by 2040.
The investment, valued at ETB 392.3 million, is expected to reduce more than 6,578.91 tons of carbon emissions annually by replacing ageing internal combustion engine vehicles previously used across the company’s operations.
The initiative forms part of HEINEKEN’s global “Brew a Better World” sustainability strategy, which embeds climate action into how the business operates, grows, and creates long-term value. The company’s climate ambition is aligned with science-based targets designed to help limit global warming to 1.5°C.
45% of these electric vehicles are procured from vehicles assembled locally in Ethiopia and are deployed for employees based in Addis Ababa, where charging infrastructure is already well established, with plans to expand to other regions as infrastructure continues to develop.
The initiative directly supports Ethiopia’s national E-Mobility Strategy and Implementation Plan (2025–2030), which aims to increase the share of electric vehicles among newly registered vehicles from 40% to 80% and ensure that 30% of newly registered electric vehicles are locally assembled or manufactured by 2030.
“Decarbonisation is not a standalone initiative for us. It is part of how we operate, invest, and grow,” HEINEKEN Ethiopia’s Managing Director said. “We use data to identify the most carbon-intensive parts of our business and prioritise interventions where we can reduce emissions fastest and most effectively.”
Fleet electrification represents one element of a much wider decarbonisation programme already underway across HEINEKEN Ethiopia’s operations. The company is working toward carbon neutrality in production by 2030 across a combination of energy-efficiency programmes, process optimisation, and renewable energy integration.
HEINEKEN Ethiopia’s corporate affairs director, Nigus Alemu, mentions that the EV investment is primarily an environmental sustainability decision designed to create long-term value rather than short-term gains. However, the transition is also expected to reduce demand for fuel and imported spare parts, areas that place significant pressure on Ethiopia’s foreign currency, while delivering approximately ETB 32.7 million in annual operating efficiencies.
By shifting part of its mobility needs toward electricity generated from Ethiopia’s renewable energy mix and supporting local vehicle assembly, it is believed that the initiative contributes to local renewable energy adoption, and more efficient foreign currency utilisation.
HEINEKEN Ethiopia acknowledged the support and collaboration of the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, the Addis Ababa Driver and Vehicle Licensing and Control Authority, and the Kirkos Branch Office in facilitating the implementation process.
As part of its long-term sustainability roadmap, HEINEKEN Ethiopia will continue investing in lower-carbon solutions across production, logistics, packaging, and supplier partnerships to build a more resilient and future-ready business while contributing positively to Ethiopia’s green growth ambitions.