Ethiopia nearly doubles electricity generation capacity in seven years as renewable energy drive accelerates

Ethiopia has emerged as one of Africa’s fastest-growing clean energy producers after nearly doubling its electricity generation capacity over the past seven years, reinforcing its position as a rising regional energy hub, reports El Maipo, a partner of TV BRICS.

Ethiopia has expanded its installed electricity capacity from around 4,400 megawatts to nearly 9,800 MW, driven primarily by large-scale investment in renewable energy infrastructure. The rapid growth places Ethiopia among the continent’s leading producers of clean energy.

The expansion forms part of a broader national strategy focused on strengthening energy security, supporting industrial development and increasing electricity access for the population. Ethiopian authorities have prioritised hydropower while simultaneously accelerating the development of wind, solar and geothermal energy projects to diversify the country’s renewable energy mix.

Alongside higher generation capacity, national access to electricity has also improved significantly. The share of the population connected to the power grid has risen from 44 per cent to approximately 54 per cent, reflecting continued efforts to expand energy infrastructure across urban and rural areas.

The government is also seeking to position Ethiopia as a regional electricity supplier in East Africa by expanding energy exports to neighbouring countries. Officials view cross-border electricity trade as a strategic tool for regional integration, economic cooperation and sustainable development.