Overview

Name: Woda Vehicle Manufacturing PLC

Established: 2023

Location: Woda Industrial Park, Shegar City Administration, Oromia State, Ethiopia (about 35 km from Addis Ababa, in Sebeta city)

Facility Size: Approximately 15,000 square meters

Employees: Around 300 skilled workers

Business Focus & Products

Specializes in electric vehicles (EVs), with a strong focus on light EV solutions.

Flagship products include electric tricycles, capable of traveling roughly 80 km per charge.

Operates under the brand name SAFI for its EV line.

Uses modern technologies like lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries and CAN communication systems.

Industrial & Strategic Context

Part of the broader Woda Industrial Park, which also supports industries such as rubber, home appliances, and power equipment.

Developed as part of Ethiopia’s import substitution strategy, aiming to replace imports with local production.

Positioned to contribute to the early-stage electric mobility sector in East Africa, potentially giving it a first-mover advantage.

Strengths & Opportunities

Local manufacturing lowers import dependence and can benefit from government incentives.

Growing global and regional demand for EVs.

Industrial park integration provides synergies in infrastructure and operations.

Challenges & Risks

Supply chain dependence for batteries and critical components.

Scale and cost competitiveness—must match or beat imports.

Market readiness—infrastructure, charging networks, and consumer adoption in Ethiopia are still developing.

Capital intensity—sustaining investment for scaling production is essential.