Ethiopia, USA Sign MoU to Reaffirm Power Africa Commitment - ENA English
Ethiopia, USA Sign MoU to Reaffirm Power Africa Commitment
Addis Ababa June 27/2018 Ethiopia and the U.S have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), reaffirming commitment to increasing electricity access through private-led projects. The MoU was signed by Ethiopian Water Irrigation and Electricity Minister Sileshi Bekele and U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Michael Raynor,. During the occasion, Water Irrigation and Electricity Minister Sileshi Bekele said Power Africa supported Ethiopia’s energy development through wide ranging technical assistance in cooperation with international financial institutions and development partners. “So in supporting the entry of the private sectors especially Power Africa has assisted with new IPP and the transmission to competitive tendering as well as strengthened the energy regulator,” Sileshi said. Sileshi said “Power Africa has worked in advancing negotiation towards financial closure for Ethiopia’s first Independent Power Producers (IPPs) geothermal projects at Corbetti and Tulu Moye that will generate up to 1000 MW”. U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Michael Raynor on his part said the MoU displays his country’s commitment to support the development of Ethiopia’s energy sector. “This MoU underscores the United State’s commitment to continue our support for the development of Ethiopia’s energy sector through the Power Africa initiative,” he said. The MoU to be effective until 2023 ensures alignment toward achieving the Power Africa phase two objectives. Advancing sustainable development through private sector led partnerships; promoting economic prosperity; and increased focus on the enabling environment, transmission and distribution.