Ethiopia’s entry into BRICS adds impetus to its efforts for sustainable dev’t: Minister

Addis Ababa, December 8, 2023 (FBC) – In an exclusive interview with CGTN, the Plan and Development Minister, Fitsum Assefa, stated that Ethiopia has planted 32.5 billion trees over the past five year as part of its efforts to ensure food security apart from its climate mitigation and adaptation endeavors.

“In Ethiopia, almost 100pct of the energy sources are renewable and green. For us, transition means creating universal access to electricity. We have achieved only at 45pct of the coverage. Ethiopia has a capacity to produce 60,000 megawatt of energy from renewable sources including geothermal, wind, solar and hydro,” she said, adding that expansion of clean energy sources requires a huge investment.

Ethiopia’s investment in the green energy sector is hindered by the debt burden, Fitsum noted, calling the international financial institutions and other development partners to look into easing the debt burden on Africa.

In her answer to the question raised by CGTN regarding Ethiopia’s quest for sea outlet, Fitsum stated that the nation counts on negation with neighboring countries based on mutual benefits to meet its interest in this regard.

Initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area are able to facilitate shared regional connectivity and prosperity in the region, she said.

“We are already investing in regional integration such as railway infrastructure to Djibouti and road infrastructure to Kenya, Sudan and South Sudan,” she indicated.

Trade and investment among Africa is at its lowest level now because of lack of infrastructural integration, Fitsum underscored.

Regarding Ethiopia’s entry into BRICS, Fitsum pointed out that the nation has no any political intentions of alienating the other bloc including the West.

“Our accession to BRICS enables the government to deliver the promises it made to its people to improve lives and livelihoods,” the Minister said.

The BRICS bloc has established its own bank, so there is a possibility of accessing finance. That would definitely add impetus to Ethiopia’s efforts to ensure sustainable development and shared prosperity in the region.