Ethiopia has signed its first country framework agreement with the International Solar Alliance (ISA), highlighting the nation’s growing role in advancing solar energy solutions for agriculture and economic development in Africa.

The agreement, finalized on Wednesday, covers solar applications in irrigation pumps, rooftop systems, mini-grids, and a 400 MW project pipeline. Under the five-year framework, ISA will collaborate with Ethiopia on policy support, project development, capacity building, and private-sector engagement to accelerate solar adoption across the country.

The initiative focuses on improving agricultural productivity and income through the deployment of solar-powered irrigation pumps and storage solutions. ISA will leverage lessons from India’s rapid solar expansion, transferring expertise in digital solutions, competitive tendering, technical training, and farmer-centered digitization tools to create an enabling ecosystem in Ethiopia.

Recent reforms in Ethiopia have positioned the country to attract large-scale private investment in renewable energy. ISA’s first African Center of Excellence, established at Addis Ababa University, will provide training, research, and startup incubation, while connecting with India’s global capability centers.

With Ethiopia’s geographic location near the equator and untapped solar potential, the framework aims to expand irrigation, strengthen food security, and generate employment, supporting the country’s transition to a more sustainable and inclusive energy future.

Source: The Ethiopian Herald