EKA Mobility and Kerchanshe Group Join Forces to Revolutionize Electric Mobility and Green Transport Across East Africa

Key Highlights

• EKA Mobility partners with Ethiopia’s Kerchanshe Group

• Focus on electric bus and truck distribution across East Africa

• Local EV assembly plant to be established in Ethiopia

• Partnership combines technology and local market expertise

• Expected to boost jobs, green mobility, and sustainability

Indian electric vehicle manufacturer EKA Mobility has partnered with Ethiopia’s leading business group Kerchanshe Trading PLC to expand electric buses and commercial vehicles across East Africa. The partnership was officially signed on October 13, 2025, during a ceremony held in Dubai.

Partnership to Drive EV Adoption in East Africa

Under this strategic agreement, both companies will work together to assemble, distribute, and service EKA’s range of electric buses and commercial vehicles in Ethiopia and nearby markets.

A local assembly facility will be set up in Ethiopia to build EKA’s vehicles, supported by an expanded service and distribution network across East Africa. The goal is to make electric mobility more accessible, sustainable, and suited to the region’s transport needs.

Combining Technology and Local Expertise

The partnership brings together EKA Mobility’s advanced EV technology and Kerchanshe Group’s strong local presence in industrial and market operations. This collaboration aims to create a complete electric mobility ecosystem—covering manufacturing, distribution, and after-sales service.

EKA Mobility is backed by global equity partners, including Mitsui & Co. (Japan), VDL Groep (Netherlands), and Pinnacle Industries (India). The company produces electric buses, small commercial vehicles, and three-wheelers, with modular designs and efficient manufacturing processes to reduce ownership costs.

Kerchanshe Trading PLC, on the other hand, is one of East Africa’s largest conglomerates, operating in sectors such as coffee export, manufacturing, real estate, logistics, and renewable energy. The group has extensive experience in industrial operations and vehicle assembly, making it a strong local partner for EKA Mobility’s expansion.

Leaders Views on the Collaboration

Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Founder and Chairman of EKA Mobility, said Ethiopia’s growing industrial foundation and clean energy initiatives make it a perfect base for their East African operations. He emphasized that this partnership will support the creation of sustainable and smart mobility solutions for the region.

Mr. Israel Degefa, CEO and President of Kerchanshe Group, added that combining EKA’s innovative EV technology with Kerchanshe’s local expertise will promote green mobility and industrial growth in East Africa.

A Step Toward Sustainable Growth

This collaboration marks an important milestone in building a sustainable electric vehicle ecosystem in East Africa. It is expected to contribute to job creation, industrial development, and environmental improvement, aligning with the region’s vision for cleaner and more efficient transportation.

Also Read: Mahindra & Mahindra Appoints Attreyi Mukherjee as VP & Head Legal for EV Business

CMV360 Says

The EKA Mobility–Kerchanshe partnership marks a major step toward transforming East Africa’s transport sector with locally assembled electric vehicles, driving cleaner mobility, regional growth, and sustainable industrial development.