Winning the Marathon By Aklile Tsige Ethiopia’s automotive market is obviously dominated by second-hand imported vehicles – particularly commercial which were Ethiopia’s second most valuable import overall in 2019, worth US$955 million. On the other hand, commercial vehicles are also Ethiopia’s highest earning automotive export, according to various sources. History has it that Ethiopia saw the first locally assembled commercial vehicle by AMCE-IVECO. Following this path, according to a recent data from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, nearly 20 car assembly firms are operating across the country. Founded in 2009, the Marathon Motor Engineering, Plc. is one of the vehicle assemblersin Ethiopia, 100% founded and owned by Ethiopians, an indigenous Auto company. Since establishment the company has been headed by Melkamu Assefa, Founder, CEO and Managing Director,Proud Ethiopian, Married to Tigist Getachewand father of three children. Melkamu has got an extensive educational and professional experiences in the automotive industry, received his 1st Degree (BA) in Business Management – Addis Ababa University, MBA from Leicester University, UK; he’s certified from a Japanese Automotive professional firm. Melkamu has also served in the renowned automotive company, MOENCO in Ethiopia for over 14 years. Furthermore, he has received different trainings and participated in high level convention and international conferences in more than 100 countries.ABN Editor-in-Chief Aklile Tsige speaks to Melkamu Assefa on the company’s ten plus journey and future plan. 24
Abyssinia Business Nework // ABN
Modernizing Transport April 2021
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