Development Partners Back Ethiopia's Energy Reforms to Advance Women's Empowerment

Addis Ababa, July 3, 2026 (ENA) — Development partners have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ethiopia's energy sector reforms, highlighting ongoing initiatives aimed at expanding women's economic opportunities, creating jobs, and improving access to electricity in rural communities.

Speaking exclusively to ENA, World Bank Energy Specialist Wendayehu Demissie said the institution has aligned its support with Ethiopia's reform agenda to promote inclusive growth and women's empowerment through energy development.

"Energy is critical in creating jobs, both through direct employment and through the productive use of energy," he said.

He explained that reliable electricity for businesses and industries generates employment while also creating opportunities for women to engage in income-generating activities.

"The Bank has its own strategy to support women's empowerment. We assess women-headed households, encourage greater participation of women in engineering and science, and work closely with utilities to ensure our projects benefit women and young people," Wendayehu said.

He noted that Ethiopia's clean energy system provides a strong foundation for future growth, while emphasizing the need for careful planning as the country expands renewable energy sources.

"The government wants to attract private sector investment in wind and solar power, which are clean energy sources. However, these technologies are intermittent by nature and have implications for grid stability. With the support of the World Bank, a variable renewable energy penetration impact assessment is currently underway," he said.

SNV Ethiopia Director Julie Graham also underscored the importance of combining grid and off-grid electrification to improve livelihoods in rural areas.

"We are mainly working on off-grid electrification solutions, not only to expand access to energy but also to promote productive uses of electricity so that rural communities can create new livelihood opportunities," she said.

According to Graham, SNV is supporting green mini grids and electrified irrigation systems that specifically benefit women entrepreneurs.

"The mini grids provide electricity for households, water supply, irrigation, and productive activities. They are designed to help women explore new economic opportunities in areas such as horticulture, dairy cooling, yogurt production, and other small businesses, while also reducing the burden of labor," she said.

Development partners noted that Ethiopia's emphasis on cooperation under the Medemer philosophy, together with power export agreements linked to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, is strengthening regional energy integration while helping align investments that reduce poverty, expand economic opportunities and improve livelihoods across the region.