Aiming to realize universal access to electricity, Ethiopia has launched the National Electrification Program 2.0 (NEP 2.0). NEP 1.0 was launched in 2017.

To achieve universal access to electricity, NEP 2.0 intends to use on-grid system to reach 65 percent of the population, and off-grid system to reach the remaining 35 percent. The program will cost $6 million in direct investment and technical assistance.

Seleshi Bekele (PhD), Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy, speaking at the launching ceremony, said the program brings together all stakeholders and development partners in quest to achieve a fully functional integrated electrification system.

“Achieving Ethiopia’s development vision of transformative growth has required timely provision of adequate, affordable and reliable electricity access to all,” Dr. Seleshi noted.

So far, the Ethiopian government has been able to provide electricity access to 44 percent of the population. Out of this, 33 percent have on-grid electrification, while the rest, 11 percent, are on off-grid service provision.

According to the minister, NEP 2.0 reflects the government’s commitment to revise the country’s electrification program based on implementation progress to achieve universal electricity access goal by 2025.

Currently, half of the Ethiopian population do not have ready access to electricity. By putting the national electrification program in place, Ethiopia hopes to achieve universal access to electricity by 2025.

Source: ENA