- World Bank reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Government of Ethiopia’s endeavours to ensure universal energy access for the citizens.
- The Minister of Finance emphasised the importance of having enough clean energy that is affordable, accessible and of high quality for the citizens.
The World Bank has appreciated Ethiopia’s progress and reaffirmed the Bank’s steadfast commitment to supporting the Government of Ethiopia’s endeavours to ensure universal energy access for the citizens. World Bank’s Country Director for Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, and South Sudan, Ousmane Dione, said this in a workshop on energy sector reform jointly conducted by the Ministry of Finance of Ethiopia and the World Bank in Addis Ababa.
Opening the workshop, Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide emphasised 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. Ahmed acknowledged the World Bank for financing the large portfolio operations under implementation in the sector.
Regarding energy sector reform as one of the target areas under the upcoming Home Grown Economic Reform 2 (HGER 2.0), Ahmed requested continuous support from the Bank for the reform agenda. He indicated the need for massive investment and collaboration of key partners and stakeholders to achieve the desired outcomes set by the government.
Furthermore, the Minister of Water and Energy Habtamu Itefa highlighted the progress made in the energy sector related to access, transmission, distribution, and improving services. He thanked the Bank for its valuable technical assistance and urged continued collaboration.
Also, the World Bank’s Country Director appreciated Ethiopia’s progress and reaffirmed the Bank’s steadfast commitment to supporting the Government of Ethiopia’s endeavours to ensure universal energy access for the citizens. The Ministry of Water and Energy, Ethiopian Electric Power, Ethiopian Electric Utility, Ethiopian Investment Holdings, and other key stakeholders participated in the workshop.