World Bank partners with Ethiopia in Energy Sector Reform during Joint Workshop

The World Bank Group and the Ministry of Finance of Ethiopia have conducted a joint workshop on Energy Sector Reform in Addis Ababa, as announced by the Ministry. The workshop served as a platform for key stakeholders to discuss and deliberate on crucial aspects of reform within the energy sector.

The workshop featured consecutive discussion sessions focusing on universal energy access, sustainable financing for energy expansion, and structural and regulatory reforms.
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 important stakeholders were present at the workshop.
Mr. Ahmed Shide, the Minister of Finance, emphasized the significance of ensuring sufficient clean energy that is not only affordable but also accessible and of high quality for the citizens.
He underscored that the energy sector is at the core of the country’s economy, with its infrastructure development having the potential to stimulate high-quality investments, contributing to rapid and sustainable development.
Mr. Shide expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its financing of large portfolio operations currently under implementation in the sector.
He referred to the energy sector reform as a target area under the upcoming Home Grown Economic Reform 2 (HGER 2.0) and requested continuous support from the Bank, highlighting the need for substantial investment and collaboration with key partners and stakeholders to achieve the government’s desired outcomes.
Habtamu Itefa, the Minister of Water and Energy, provided insights into the progress made in the energy sector concerning access, transmission, distribution, and service improvement. He acknowledged the World 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 in the energy sector and reaffirmed the Bank’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Government of Ethiopia’s efforts to ensure universal energy access for its citizens.