Ethiopia commenced power supply trials between Kenya and Tanzania as part of the East Africa Electric Highway Project. This milestone follows the completion of the Ethiopia-Kenya power transmission line, facilitated by an advanced power supply network.
The subsequent phase, linking Kenya to Tanzania, has now begun trial operations, marking a step in regional energy cooperation. The project is expected to provide reliable, cost-effective electricity while boosting Ethiopia’s renewable energy exports. Initial power trading is projected to generate around USD 200 million annually, positioning Ethiopia as a key player in green electricity trading.
The project, supported by the World Bank, African Development Bank, and French Development Cooperative, strengthens regional connectivity and energy security. Officials have hailed the development as a major success, underscoring its role in advancing sustainable power supply infrastructure across East Africa.
Ethiopia earned USD 31.5 million from electricity exports to neighboring countries during the first three months of the current fiscal year. The electricity, totaling 497.8 gigawatt-hours, was sold to Djibouti, Sudan, and Kenya, achieving 91.8% of the revenue target. During this period, Ethiopia produced 6,456 gigawatt hours of electricity for domestic and regional consumption, marking a 36% increase compared to the same quarter last year.
Power supply to Kenya, which began as a trial, now delivers 200 megawatts under a formal agreement, contributing to the rise in export revenue. The Kenya transmission line has a capacity of 2,000 megawatts.
Additionally, preparations are underway to supply electricity to South Sudan. A memorandum of understanding has been signed, and technical work is ongoing to initiate exports to the country.
Source: The Ethiopian Herald
Additional source: 2Merkato Archives
