Ethiopia's Renewable Energy Vital for Advancing Continental Goals, Water & Energy Minister Says

Addis Ababa, May 31, 2025 (ENA)—Ethiopia has been playing a pivotal role in advancing continental goals by connecting the region through renewable energy, according to the Ministry of Water and Energy.

Minister of Water and Energy Habtamu Itefa told ENA that one of the major efforts to realize these goals is the development of infrastructure where Ethiopia is taking a leading role in building energy infrastructure that connects countries across the region.

 “In the first nine months of the current fiscal year alone, Ethiopia earned over 220 million US dollars from electricity exports to neighboring nations, double the revenue recorded in the same period last year,” he noted.

 The minister also emphasized that this initiative aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa driven by infrastructure-led development.

 Ethiopia, he said, is spearheading efforts to connect the Horn of Africa through power infrastructure, fostering regional integration.

 

 Demand for electricity from Ethiopia is on the rise in countries including Djibouti, South Sudan, and Kenya, according to the minister.

 He also underscored ongoing efforts to provide data-driven solutions to meet the growing regional energy needs.

 He cited the demands of Kenya and Tanzania for power connectivity from Ethiopia, adding to enhance regional integration, efforts will be made to supply power connectivity to South Africa in the long-term.

 Minister Habtamu also elaborated that Ethiopia continues to implement its power supply agreements with Sudan, Djibouti, and Kenya, reinforcing its role as a regional energy hub.

 Ethiopia’s energy production capacity has seen a significant boost, generating 6.8 gigawatts over the past nine months, he added, affirming the country's readiness to meet regional power demands would be reinforced by the country's expansion of renewable energy infrastructure.

Ethiopia’s renewable energy push plays a key role in combating climate change, enabling partner countries to have access to clean energy while promoting environmental sustainability across the region, he further stressed.

 He elaborated that beyond economic gains, the integration of energy infrastructure is expected to deliver broad-based benefits, strengthening regional ties, supporting shared development goals, and enhancing Ethiopia’s influence in shaping continental priorities.