Mekelle/Tel Aviv/Nairobi/Pretoria/London
Mekonen Gebreanania Is Bringing In HOWO Sinotruk Trucks Despite Government Ban
Addis Ababa— Ethiopian oil tycoon and philanthropist Mekonen Gebreanania, owner of Kumbi Oil, has begun importing HOWO Sinotruk trucks, moving ahead with his logistics expansion despite a nationwide ban on the vehicles.
The businessman, long admired for his charitable contributions and commercial acumen, is pushing into the transportation sector at a time when Sinotruk imports face heightened regulatory scrutiny. Industry sources confirm shipments are already underway, positioning Gebreanania at the center of a sensitive policy standoff.
In June 2025, the Ethiopian Customs Commission imposed a blanket suspension on Sinotruk vehicles, citing recurring safety defects and mechanical failures in the widely used HOWO model. The Ministry of Transport and Logistics reaffirmed in August that the ban remains in place until Chinese manufacturer CNHTC resolves the issues.
Despite the prohibition, Mekonen’s imports suggest confidence that the trucks can meet urgent demand in Ethiopia’s logistics and construction markets, where Sinotruk has been a dominant, cost-effective brand. Analysts say the move highlights both the shortages in the heavy-duty vehicle market and Mekonen’s willingness to take calculated risks.
The decision is not without peril. Any attempt to bypass or challenge the ban could expose him to regulatory action and political backlash. At the same time, his reputation for integrity and philanthropy gives him influence that few private-sector players can match.
Market watchers sayMekonen Gebreanania could emerge as a key broker between Sinotruk, the Ethiopian government, and end-users. His strategy may involve pressing CNHTC to address safety flaws while leveraging his imports to bridge immediate shortages.
The move is being tracked closely by Ethiopia’s business community. With logistics infrastructure seen as vital to economic growth, Mekonen’s Sinotruk imports could redefine the sector if he manages to navigate the regulatory storm.
