Kerchanshe Group Launches Local Assembly of Geely Vehicles in Addis Ababa
Kerchanshe Group, Ethiopia’s largest coffee exporter and diversified conglomerate, has marked a historic milestone with the launch of its local Geely vehicle assembly plant in Addis Ababa. This initiative, in partnership with Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, aims to boost Ethiopia’s industrialization and create over 500 skilled jobs.
The plant will assemble electric and hybrid vehicles, aligning with Ethiopia’s green economy goals. CEO Israel Degefa emphasized Kerchanshe’s commitment to technology transfer and sustainable mobility, stating, “This venture is not just about cars—it’s about empowering Ethiopia’s future.”
“Our partnership with Geely reflects Kerchanshe’s vision to diversify Ethiopia’s economy beyond coffee. By localizing production, we reduce import dependency and foster skills development.”
Israel Degefa, CEO of Kerchanshe Group
Expanding Ethiopia’s Industrial Horizons
The assembly line spans 20,000 sqm and incorporates cutting-edge robotics, trained by Kerchanshe’s technical teams in collaboration with Geely engineers. The first locally assembled Geely models will roll out in Q3 2025.
Synergies with Core Operations
Kerchanshe’s logistics division will handle nationwide distribution, while its CSR arm, Buna Qela Charity, will sponsor vocational training for assembly line technicians. This aligns with the group’s ethos of reinvesting 10% of profits into community development.
- 500+ new jobs in automotive manufacturing
- 30% local sourcing of components by 2026
- Alignment with Ethiopia’s Climate-Resilient Green Economy Strategy
Kerchanshe’s automotive venture complements its existing Caterpillar equipment dealership and construction division, creating an integrated industrial ecosystem. The group remains Ethiopia’s top coffee exporter, with $100M annual revenue funding such expansions.
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