The governments of Algeria and Ethiopia held in-depth discussions on expanding bilateral collaboration, particularly in the electricity and renewable energy sectors.
Algeria’s Minister of State for Energy, Mines, and Renewable Energies, Mohamed Arkab and Ethiopia’s Minister of Water and Energy, Habtamu Itefa Geleta explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation in areas like power generation, grid development, energy distribution, and system conversion.
Ethiopia expressed a strong interest in utilizing Algeria’s extensive experience, particularly through Sonelgaz, to advance its national grid, especially in remote and underserved areas. Senior officials from both countries’ energy institutions were also present, highlighting the strategic importance of the talks.
READ: Republic of Congo unveils comprehensive Gas Master Plan
Algeria reaffirmed its willingness to support Ethiopia’s renewable energy efforts by sharing its know-how in building centralized and off-grid solar power systems, as well as in wind energy development. Minister Arkab emphasized Algeria’s success in rural electrification and the deployment of innovative solutions to improve energy efficiency and reliability.
Ethiopia’s minister, Habtamu Itefa, highlighted significant progress in his country’s energy sector, noting that electricity access has now reached 54% of the population. He mentioned the growing role of solar energy, particularly in powering schools and public buildings, and emphasized how these advancements are benefiting rural regions such as Somali, Oromia, and Afar. He also expressed a desire to collaborate with Algeria on extending electricity access to agricultural and industrial areas, seeing Algeria’s experience as a valuable model for Ethiopia’s development.
Concluding their meeting, both nations agreed to form a joint working group tasked with identifying practical and mutually beneficial energy projects. This initiative aims to create new opportunities in renewable energy and electrical infrastructure, fostering deeper collaboration and sustainable development for both countries.
