Ethiopia’s energy sector surges, expanding access and capacity

Addis Ababa, March 5, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s energy sector has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, significantly improving access and benefits for its citizens, according to the Ministry of Water and Energy.

Minister of Water and Energy, Habtamu Itefa elaborated the substantial progress that has achieved since government change in the country.

The minister highlighted the advancements that include a notable increase in electricity access reaching 54 percent of the population, which is a rise by over 6 percent.

In terms of the customer base, the sector is now serving over 5.1 million customers, with an impressive 320,000 new connections made in just the past six months. Additionally, the country’s power generation and transmission capabilities continue to strengthen, the Minister added.

“We have made significant strides in providing power to remote areas,” the Minister stated, emphasizing the successful implementation of rural electrification initiatives.

He also highlighted that over 10,000 residents in the Somali, Oromia, Afar, and Dassanech have benefited from these efforts.

The expansion of solar power plants in educational institutions and other facilities has also contributed to the sector’s overall success. Furthermore, the Minister praised the government’s strategic oversight of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) construction, noting the “special wisdom and ingenuity” involved in its progress.

The Minister also said that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has played a pivotal role in driving the development of the water and energy sectors.

“The Prime Minister’s contributions have been instrumental in bringing the sector to its current stage of success,” he emphasized.

Significant results, including increased energy access in educational institutions and other areas, have been achieved through the deployment of solar power plants, the Minister told local news agency ENA.