Ethiopia, World Bank conduct workshop on energy sector reform

Addis Ababa, February 3, 2024 (FBC) – The Ministry of Finance of Ethiopia and the World Bank Group jointly conducted a workshop on Energy Sector Reform, at Addis Ababa today, the Ministry indicated.

The workshop brought together officials from the Ministry of Finance, the World Bank, the Ministry of Water and Energy, Ethiopian Electric Power, Ethiopian Electric Utility, Ethiopian Investment Holdings, and other key stakeholders.

Mr. Ahmed Shide, Minister of Finance, at the opening of the workshop emphasized the importance of having enough clean energy that is affordable, accessible, and of high quality for the citizens.

Moreover, he stated that the energy sector is the core of the country’s economy, as its infrastructure development can stimulate and attract more high-quality investment that contributes to rapid and sustainable development.

He acknowledged the World Bank for financing the large portfolio operations under implementation in the sector.

Referring energy sector reform as one of the target areas under the upcoming Home Grown Economic Reform 2 (HGER 2.0), Mr. Ahmed requested continuous support from the Bank for the reform agenda indicating the need for huge investment and collaboration of key partners and stakeholders to achieve the desired outcomes set by the government.

Habtamu Itefa, Minister of Water and Energy, highlighted the progress made so far in the energy sector related to access, transmission, distribution, and improving services. He also expressed gratitude to the Bank for its valuable technical assistance and urged continued collaboration.

Mr. Ousmane Dione, the World Bank’s Country Director for Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, and South Sudan appreciated Ethiopia’s progress and reaffirmed the Bank’s steadfast commitment to supporting the Government of Ethiopia’s endeavors to ensure universal energy access for the citizens.

Consecutive discussion sessions were made at the workshop on universal energy access, sustainable financing for energy expansion, and structural and regulatory reforms whereby different milestones were set for further deliberation and effort to advance the energy sector reform agenda.