EKA Mobility Partners with Kerchanshe Group to Expand Electric Vehicles in East Africa

Indian electric vehicle manufacturer EKA Mobility and Ethiopian business group Kerchanshe Trading PLC have announced a strategic partnership to distribute, assemble, and service electric buses and commercial vehicles across East Africa. The agreement was formalized on Monday, 13th October 2025, at a signing ceremony in Dubai.

Under the partnership, the companies plan to establish a local assembly facility in Ethiopia for EKA vehicles, expand distribution and service networks throughout Ethiopia and neighboring markets, and introduce a range of electric mobility solutions designed for regional demand. The collaboration combines EKA Mobility's electric vehicle technology with Kerchanshe's local expertise in assembly, distribution, and market operations.

EKA Mobility, backed by equity partners including Japan's Mitsui & Co., VDL Groep of the Netherlands, and India's Pinnacle Industries, specializes in manufacturing electric buses, small commercial vehicles, and 3-wheelers. The company has developed modular designs and lean manufacturing processes aimed at reducing total cost of ownership and making electric vehicles more accessible to mass markets.

Kerchanshe Trading PLC is among East Africa's largest conglomerates, with operations spanning coffee export, manufacturing, real estate, logistics, and renewable energy. The group has established experience in industrial operations and vehicle assembly.

Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Founder and Chairman of EKA Mobility, stated that Ethiopia's growing industrial base and clean energy focus make it an ideal hub for the company's East African operations. He emphasized the partnership's goal to create sustainable mobility solutions for the region.

Mr. Israel Degefa, CEO and President of Kerchanshe Group, noted that the collaboration combines innovative electric vehicle technology with local expertise to support green mobility and industrial development in East Africa.

The partnership represents a significant step toward establishing a sustainable electric mobility ecosystem in the region, with potential implications for job creation, industrial growth, and environmental sustainability across East Africa.