Ethiopia Powers Up East Africa

Ethiopia targets 78% electricity access within five years, with the Abbay Dam leading its hydropower expansion.
Electricity exports to Sudan, Kenya, Djibouti, and Tanzania aim to strengthen regional ties and boost economic growth.
Cross-border infrastructure, backed by African development banks, supports energy trade and grid stability across East Africa.
Ethiopia is ramping up its push to become East Africa’s energy leader. The government is building more hydropower projects to strengthen regional ties and export electricity to nearby countries.

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) plans to increase electricity access from 54% to 78% within five years. The Abbay Dam, formerly the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), is at the centre of this plan.

The dam supports Ethiopia’s industrial growth and energy ambitions. It powers homes and industries and generates surplus electricity for export. The country wants to reduce fossil fuel use and grow its economy through clean energy.

EEP Site Manager Tewodros Ayalew said Ethiopia plans to export electricity to Sudan, Kenya, Djibouti, and Tanzania. “We want to boost regional growth by supplying reliable power,” he said.

Ethiopia’s efforts align with a 2010 regional agreement. East African countries agreed to link their grids and share power. That plan now moves forward through cross-border infrastructure.

Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) plays a vital role. Managing Director John Mativo said Ethiopia’s hydropower strengthens the region’s energy mix. “Grid connections improve stability and support economic growth,” he said.

KETRACO’s Regional Engineer, Victor Sambula Inganga, confirmed that the Ethiopia-Kenya line operates smoothly. The line uses an alternating current (AC) system that connects easily to Kenya’s grid. The system reduces voltage loss and ensures steady power flow.

Engineers rely on such systems to support efficient power trade. AC conversion maintains quality and reduces energy waste over long distances.

The Ethiopia-Kenya line forms part of the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP). This network links member countries, allowing them to trade power based on demand and supply. Ethiopia provides hydropower, while Kenya adds geothermal energy to the mix.

African development banks fund these cross-border projects and offer technical advice to improve planning and operations. They aim to create a low-carbon, reliable energy system across the region.

By sharing infrastructure, countries in the region reduce costs and speed up electrification. They avoid building duplicate facilities and use existing capacity more efficiently.

Tewodros Ayalew said energy integration lowers energy losses and cuts costs. “We can deliver cheaper electricity and reach more people,” he said.

Ethiopia’s power strategy aims to make the country a regional energy hub. The government sees energy exports as a unity, peace, and progress tool.

Analysts believe other African countries can learn from this model. Energy trade holds the key to unlocking Africa’s economic potential.

As electricity flows across borders, East Africa moves closer to an integrated and resilient energy system. Ethiopia’s investment in hydropowe/r fuels more than machines—it fuels stronger regional partnerships.

With demand rising and climate goals in focus, East Africa is choosing clean, shared energy to drive its future.

Source: https://theelectricityhub.com/ethiopia-powers-up-east-africa/