16/06/2011 

A consultative meeting on the Global Fuel Economy Initiative (GFEI) project took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 27-28 January 2011. Ethiopia is the pilot country for the GFEI project in Africa. The project aims at analyzing the fuel efficiency of vehicles imported into Ethiopia and subsequently propose policy options to government for the promotion of efficient and cleaner vehicles. The project will require recommendations for cleaner fuels, specifically low sulphur fuels. The meeting was coordinated by the National Task Team formed to oversee implementation of the project. The Team is chaired by the Ethiopian Transport Authority and co-chaired by the Ethiopian Petroleum Enterprise. UNEP made a presentation on the GFEI programme, while Mr.Stuart Rayner of the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) presented the South African vehicle efficiency experience. Ethiopia is now in the process of collecting vehicle data and information on its existing vehicle regulatory framework. The information will serve as critical input into a cost-benefit analysis of policy options. These policy options will then be presented to decision makers at national and regional events.