In the remote Ethiopian village of Tum, located near the South Sudan border, Meskerem Tadesse's life has changed dramatically with the introduction of electricity. Previously reliant on firewood and kerosene for cooking and lighting, Meskerem now benefits from a solar mini-grid installed by the Ethiopia Electric Utility (EEU) with support from the Government of Ethiopia as part of the World Bank-supported Ethiopia Electrification Program (ELEAP). This development has enabled her to run a small grocery store, allowing her to refrigerate products like freezer pops. "This is a hot, sunny area, so freezer pops are very popular," she says. The income from her business has allowed her to buy a computer for her children.
Electricity access has transformed daily life in Tum and other rural communities in Ethiopia. “We used to cook with wood, but now we have an electric stove and oven,” Meskerem explains. “It saves so much time, and the house is well-lit at night. It’s a big change for us.” Her plans to start an electricity-powered mill illustrate how energy access is fueling economic growth.
The ELEAP project supports both off-grid and on-grid connections across Ethiopia, providing electricity to nearly 6.5 million people through 1.3 million new connections. Access to energy reduces time spent on chores like fetching water, freeing up time for productive activities. Shiferaw Telila, CEO of EEU, states: “Energy is a key driver of economic development... Energy access also creates job opportunities for young people.”
Access to electricity has also improved public services in Ethiopia significantly. Around 19,000 public facilities have been connected through various solutions under ELEAP. In Zaro city’s health clinic in Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region—one of over 700 health facilities connected—electricity allows vaccines to be stored properly on-site instead of being transported back and forth from distant locations.
Ethiopia aims for universal energy access as part of its National Electrification Program (NEP), launched in 2017 with World Bank support through initiatives like ELEAP. Sultan Wali, State Minister of Water and Energy notes that despite challenges such as financing shortfalls and equipment shortages: “With the support of the ELEAP program... most challenges have been overcome."
These efforts align with Ethiopia’s commitment to Mission 300 Initiative which seeks to provide electricity to 300 million people across Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. Erik Fernstrom from World Bank highlights improvements in sector institutions supported by ELEAP: "For the last 5-6 years... aiming to enhance overall quality service delivery." Maryam Salim adds: "The World Bank is a committed partner in Ethiopia’s energy journey."