Addis Ababa — Ethiopia and the United Kingdom have signed significant cooperation agreements aimed at enhancing public investment management and expanding strategic energy transmission infrastructure in Ethiopia, following high-level talks led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
The agreements were concluded during a meeting between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, where they discussed key bilateral relations and regional issues of mutual interest.
As part of this cooperation, the two sides oversaw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on technical cooperation in public investment and asset management under the Ethiopia Investment Advisory Facility. The MoU aims to strengthen Ethiopia’s institutional capacities in managing large-scale public investments and strategic assets.
Ethiopia and the United Kingdom also witnessed the signing of a joint development agreement for two vital energy transmission projects: the 400 kV Horsu-Aysha electric power transmission project and the 132 kV Dijibour-Kebridahar electric power transmission project.
These two projects are expected to play a pivotal role in expanding access to electricity, improving grid reliability, and supporting economic growth in the eastern regions of the country.
In a statement, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the two agreements represent an important step forward in Ethiopia’s development agenda.
The Prime Minister added: “During the meeting, we oversaw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for technical cooperation in public investment and asset management under the Ethiopia Investment Advisory Facility. We also witnessed the signing of a joint development agreement for two vital electric power transmission projects: the 400 kV Horsu-Aysha electric power transmission project and the 132 kV Dijibour-Kebridahar electric power transmission project.”
He affirmed that these two agreements reflect Ethiopia’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with international partners, while working to develop strategic infrastructure that supports long-term economic transformation. The power transmission projects are expected to contribute to achieving sustainable development goals, enhancing connectivity within the Ethiopian national grid, and supporting the country’s broader efforts to expand reliable energy supplies for industrial development and regional integration.
Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa is the capital and largest city of Ethiopia, founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II. It serves as the political and diplomatic hub of Africa, hosting the headquarters of the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. The city’s history is reflected in sites like the National Museum, home to the fossil “Lucy,” and St. George’s Cathedral, built to commemorate a historic Ethiopian victory.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia is a historically rich nation in the Horn of Africa, widely considered one of the oldest sites of human civilization and home to the ancient Kingdom of Aksum. It is unique in Africa for largely maintaining its sovereignty during the colonial era and is renowned as the origin of coffee and for its ancient Christian heritage, including rock-hewn churches in Lalibela. Its long history as a powerful empire and a crossroads of cultures has left a profound legacy of diverse traditions, languages, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is a sovereign nation comprising England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with a history shaped by Celtic, Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and Norman influences. It emerged as a major global power through the British Empire and was central to the Industrial Revolution. Today, it is known for its constitutional monarchy, parliamentary democracy, and globally influential cultural heritage.
Ethiopia Investment Advisory Facility
The Ethiopia Investment Advisory Facility is not a physical place or cultural site, but a technical assistance program. It was launched to support the Ethiopian government in improving its investment climate and attracting foreign direct investment, primarily through policy advice and capacity building. The facility has been part of broader international efforts to foster private sector-led economic growth in the country.
400 kV Horsu-Aysha electric power transmission project
The 400 kV Horsu-Aysha electric power transmission project is a major high-voltage power line in Ethiopia, constructed to enhance the national grid’s capacity and reliability. It was developed to transmit electricity from generation centers to load centers, supporting the country’s economic growth and rural electrification efforts. As part of Ethiopia’s broader energy infrastructure expansion, it facilitates the integration of renewable energy sources and improves cross-regional power supply.
132 kV Dijibour-Kebridahar electric power transmission project
The 132 kV Dijibour-Kebridahar electric power transmission project is a major infrastructure initiative in Ethiopia, completed in 2021, to connect the eastern city of Kebridahar to the national grid. Its primary purpose is to provide reliable electricity to the Somali Region, supporting local development and reducing dependence on diesel generators. The project is part of Ethiopia’s broader national electrification strategy to boost economic growth and improve living standards across the country.
Ethiopian national grid
The Ethiopian national grid is the country’s centralized electrical power transmission and distribution network, primarily managed by the state-owned Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP). Its modern development accelerated in the 1960s and has been heavily expanded in recent decades, driven largely by large-scale hydroelectric projects like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), aiming to provide universal electricity access and position Ethiopia as a major regional power exporter.
