Browsing: Ethiopia

• East Africa’s public transport sector, once synonymous with chaos and pollution, is now leading a quiet green revolution.
• From electric buses in Kenya to CNG-powered fleets in Tanzania, the region is ditching diesel for clean energy.
• Could this unexpected shift be the most defining leap to a sustainable future for urban mobility?

Across the populous cities and towns of East Africa, a quiet revolution is underway. The familiar roar of diesel engines is being replaced by the hum of electric buses, the whir of three-wheeled motorcycles, and the smooth glide of trains powered by clean energy.

Even Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is fueling fleets of buses and taxis, signaling a seismic shift as the region ditches oil for renewables. But here’s the twist: the unlikely hero of this green mobility transition isn’t high-tech startups, luxury carmakers or even woke government policymakers—it’s the public transport sector.

From Dar es Salaam to …

• Ethiopia is set to construct Africa’s largest airport at a projected cost of $7.8 billion.
• Set for completion in 2040, the airport will have the capacity to handle 110 million passengers a year and provide aprons for 270 aircraft.
• While AfDB has pledged ‘full commitment’ to fund the project, Ethiopian Airlines Group is engaging other financiers, including the EXIM Bank of China.

Ethiopia, home to Africa’s largest airline, has announced plans to build the continent’s biggest airport, set to rival global aviation hubs such as Dubai International and London’s Heathrow. Designed as a state-of-the-art airport city, the facility will have the capacity to handle over 100 million passengers annually, positioning Ethiopia as a key player in global air travel.

Already holding the title of Africa’s leading airline in passenger numbers, destinations, fleet size, and revenue, Ethiopian Airlines is now aiming for another milestone—constructing the continent’s largest airport. Additionally, Ethiopian Airlines …

• Tanzania to import 100MW of electricity from Ethiopia via Kenya.
• Regional power pools enhance power trade and reliability.
• Power trade builds regional integration, diplomacy.

Power trade—the import and export of electricity—is expanding across East Africa, with Tanzania now set to import 100MW of energy from Ethiopia.

The Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) will facilitate the import, aiming to reduce power losses and improve electricity distribution in the country’s Northern Zone. The government, in a recent statement, announced that this initiative aligns with Tanzania’s broader strategy to enhance energy efficiency and ensure a stable power supply nationwide.

By integrating into the regional power grid, Tanzania expects to optimize electricity distribution and minimize transmission losses. This move builds on previous power trade agreements with Zambia, Uganda, and Kenya, which have helped bridge energy shortages in border regions such as Rukwa, Kagera, and Tanga.

“This latest initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to …

• Through various AfDB financing programmes across Africa, a total of 61M people have gained access to clean water since 2015.
• Another 33M people have benefited from improved sanitation while 46M Africans have gained access to ICT services, even as 25M people gained access to electricity.
• Next up for AfDB is the push to connect 300M Africans to electricity by 2030, and measure Africa’s vast green wealth as part of the continent’s GDP.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) positively impacted over 515 million lives over the past 10 years, the lender’s President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has revealed. While addressing Heads of State and Government at the just concluded 38th session of the African Union Summit, Dr. Adesina said the bank has positively impacted 231 million women during the decade under review.

While sharing his scorecard before the august gathering, Dr. Adesina noted that AfDB‘s initiatives have led to 127 million …

• Egyptian Professor of Geology claims its only a matter of time before Ethiopia’s GERD dam collapses when filled to capacity.
• GERD was designed to hold 11 billion cubic meters, but its capacity was increased to 60 billion cubic meters – which raises many concerns, especially since Ethiopia is a country prone to earthquakes, the scholar states
• African’s praise GERD achievements on social media #ItsMyDam, #GERDisYourDam

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is at risk of collapse, an Egyptian media outlet reported recently. The ‘Egypt Independent’ quoted a Cairo University Professor of Geology and Water Resources Abbas Sharaky allegedly saying that “GERD was designed to hold 11 billion cubic meters, but its capacity was increased to 60 billion cubic meters – which raises many concerns, especially since Ethiopia is a country prone to earthquakes.”

In the article titled ‘Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is at its utmost limit and risks collapse,’…

• Authorities across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Sudan harassed activists and government critics in spirited attempt to suppress dissent in 2024.
• Human Rights Watch says harassment, intimidation, and arrests of journalists, human rights defenders, and opposition figures intensified.
• In Kenya, senior government officials including President William Ruto threatened the courts for making decisions unfavourable to his administration.

Millions of civilians across countries in East Africa bore the brunt of human rights violations orchestrated by either government security organs or armed groups in 2024, further deteriorating the region’s respect for human rights, a new report by Washington-based Human Rights Watch states.

According to the group’s World Report 2025, authorities in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia and South Sudan continued to harass activists and government critics in their spirited attempt to suppress dissent during the year under review.

“Armed forces and armed groups in Sudan and Ethiopia have deliberately targeted civilians and …

• The trials for the East Africa Electric Highway power supply project are underway.
• This initiative on power sharing is forecast to earn Ethiopia $200 million annually. 
• Currently, Ethiopia produces all power for its national grid from renewable sources.

The East Africa Electric Highway project is lighting up a new era of regional integration, with power supply trials now linking Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania. This ambitious initiative, poised to transform energy trade in the region, is expected to generate an impressive US$200 million annually for Ethiopia in its initial phase.

Following the successful completion of an advanced power connection between Ethiopia and Kenya, the project has extended its reach to Tanzania. With the power infrastructure now in place, distribution trials are underway, marking a significant milestone in East Africa’s quest for sustainable energy solutions and economic collaboration.

“This regional power connection is set to enhance cooperation among the involved nations by …

• With its vast rivers and elevated terrains, Ethiopia is one of Africa’s most hydropower-rich nations.
• According to the International Hydropower Association, Ethiopia’s untapped rivers could generate up to 45,000 MW of electricity.
• However, While Ethiopia could evolve into a regional ticket to energy independence, some nations like Egypt and Sudan have expressed concerns over water access and environmental impact.

Ethiopia has long harboured dreams of becoming a renewable energy powerhouse. With its vast rivers and elevated terrains, it is one of Africa’s most hydropower-rich nations.

And as global pressure mounts to curb fossil fuel dependency, the country’s hydropower ambitions offer a glimpse into a future where East Africa’s energy needs could be sustainably met.

With expanding projects such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and various regional power-sharing agreements underway, Ethiopia is moving beyond its borders, positioning itself as a critical player in East Africa’s renewable energy push.

The

• Dutch climate action organization DGB Group aims to restore 12,000 hectares of native forests in Ethiopia’s mountainous region.
• DGB’s iconic bamboo project has been added to the prestigious Verra Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) registry.
• This move ensures that the project not only restores lost ecosystems but also generates measurable, verifiable carbon credits, which are vital element on carbon finance.

Ethiopia, known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural history, is now setting the stage for a new chapter in sustainability, and a chance to tap billions in climate finance. An ongoing reforestation initiative, spearheaded by Dutch climate action organization, DGB Group, is poised to transform the country’s environmental and economic future.

By restoring vast tracts of native forest, Ethiopia is taking giant strides towards securing its place in the global carbon finance market—a move that could unlock billions in climate finance.

Ethiopia’s ambitious carbon project

In a historic move, Ethiopia’s …

• The 300MW wind farm will be financed, built, and operated by AMEA Power under a 25-year power purchase agreement with Ethiopian Electric Power.
• Covering an area of 18,000 hectares, this project is expected to generate 1,400GWh of electricity.
• Dubai-based renewables developer AMEA Power has been involved in several notable projects across Africa.

Ethiopia is on a path to hosting the Horn of Africa’s largest wind farm. This comes after the country signed an agreement with Dubai-based renewables developer AMEA Power to construct the energy plant in Somali Province, situated to the East of the continent’s second most populous country.

At an estimated cost of $620 million, Aysha Wind Power Project will not only bolster Ethiopia’s energy capacity but also mark a giant step towards sustainable development in the Horn of Africa region.

The letter-of-award for this monumental project was signed by Ahmed Shide, Ethiopia’s Finance Minister, and AMEA Power’s representatives …