Ethiopia’s electric vehicle drivers could soon access a vast new charging station network, following a 25 million dollar deal signed between Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) and Cardinal Industrial Plc to build 500 stations. The deal includes EEP supplying up to 1,000GW an hour of electricity for a year to the stations, potentially earning up to one billion Birr in revenues.

EEP currently operates 180 power substations, and the charging stations will be constructed at these locations, with separate high-voltage lines catering to the stations already prepared. Constructions of separate high-voltage lines catering to the stations are ready, according to Moges Mekonen, communication director of EEP.

“The current power supply won’t be affected,” he told Fortune.

Ashebir Balcha, CEO of EEP, said during the signing ceremony held at Skylight Hotel on Africa Avenue (Bole Road) on February 13, 2023, that the country is generating electricity, aspiring to meet its national ambition under the green energy policy.

Headquartered in Wengelawit Building on Ethio-China St., Cardinal Industrial Plc expects to complete construction within a year and expand to regional cities. CEO Lilia Hailu plans to implement financial system technology as part of the project.

Lilia’s journey in the industrial sector began two decades ago when she started her career as a production engineer at a manufacturing company. Her ability to manage complex projects caught the attention of a construction company in the UAE, where she worked as a project manager. She returned to join Cardinal Industrial Plc, taking on various roles, including production head and chief operating officer.

Lilia studied mechanical engineering at Addis Abeba University and followed her post-graduate studies in business administration at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom (UK).

As the world increasingly transitions from petrol towards electric-powered transportation, many countries, including Ethiopia, are considering renewable energy sources. The government has plans to introduce 4,800 electric buses and 148,000 electric automobiles in the next decade.