AIIB commits to back Ethiopia’s power supply expansion initiatives

Addis Ababa, November 29, 2024 (FBC) – The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has expressed its commitment to assist Ethiopia in enhancing its power supply and distribution capabilities.

Today, Minister of Water and Energy Habtamu Itefa held discussions with Jin Liqun, President and Chairman of the Board of AIIB. The Minister highlighted the institution’s focus areas, including drinking water, sanitation, hygiene, water resources management, and energy development.

Minister Itefa emphasized the need for support from nations with extensive experience in the sector to address challenges related to power transmission infrastructure. He urged the bank to assist in creating a modern operational system that would facilitate power generation and make electricity more accessible to the general population.

State Minister for Energy Sultan Wolli added that Ethiopia is currently providing electricity to Djibouti, Sudan, and Kenya, and called on the bank to bolster the ministry’s initiatives, stressing Ethiopia’s significant capacity for power generation.

Ethiopian Electric Power CEO Ashebir Balcha also underscored the importance of leveraging modern technologies to enhance infrastructure in underserved regions.

In response, Jin Liqun commended Ethiopia’s ongoing initiatives in the energy sector and reiterated AIIB’s dedication to collaborating with Ethiopia in expanding power supply to neighboring nations while addressing climate change challenges.