Addis Ababa-Ethiopia positions itself as a regional energy power by expanding its electrification activities and promoting cross-border energy integration in East Africa.
With its focus on hydroelectric development, the country strives to not only meet domestic electricity needs, but also promote regional cooperation and energy security.
According to Ethiopia’s Electricity (EEP), Ethiopia plans to increase national electricity access from 78% to the current 54% within the next five years. The heart of this ambition is Abedam. This is a flagship hydroelectric project that is expected to fully operate the local energy landscape.
Abbay Dam, along with other major energy projects, is designed to support Ethiopia’s industrialization agenda, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and promote a greener, more sustainable economy.
EEP Site Manager Tewodros Ayalew emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to leveraging its abundant hydropower resources to support not only its own growth, but also its development in its neighbourhood countries.
“With Abedam and other major projects, Ethiopia is ready to export surplus electricity to countries such as Sudan, Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania.
Local leaders are welcoming this integration. John Matibo (PhD), managing director of Kenya Electric Transmission Company (Ketrako), recalled that East African countries agreed in 2010 on the need for interconnected power grids. “The goal was to enable mutual support and efficient use of energy resources across borders,” John said.
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Tewodros added that the regional interconnected grids minimize power losses, reduce infrastructure costs, and provide efficient and collaborative solutions to modern energy management challenges.
Ketraco Regional Engineer Victor Sambula Inganga highlighted the effectiveness of the system by citing power lines from Ethiopia to Kenya.
“The electricity received from Ethiopia is stable, with minimal voltage difference and is highly compatible with the grid. It is converted to alternating currents (AC) via bushings, and is seamlessly integrated into the national grid of Kenya,” he explained.
John further emphasized that African development banks play an important role in funding this transnational energy infrastructure. Interconnected systems not only allow for diverse energy mixes, as Ethiopia’s hydroelectric power generation and Kenya’s geothermal energy ensure sustainable energy sharing and long-term regional stability, but also enable diverse energy mixes.
As Ethiopia continues to expand its energy and export capabilities, it has emerged as a key driver of East Africa’s energy integration, defending a collaborative model that promises to provide both economic and environmental dividends to the region.
Fikadu Belay
Ethiopia Herald Friday, May 2, 2025
