The Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU) estimates 6.8 billion dollars is needed to ensure universal access to electricity by 2030. Around 37pc of the population remains without power, while the rest use a mix of grid and solar sources. Esubalew Tenaw, process and quality management general manager, said the project is in early research stages, funded internally. He noted rural expansion will require federal support, given low tariffs and limited returns. “It’s a joint effort involving government, financiers, and EEU’s own resources,” he told Fortune, adding that finalisation and approvals are underway. Only 33pc currently have grid access. The target is to reach 78pc in five years. The EEU is also ramping up its call centre workforce from 230 to 600 operators. The 905 hotline, which served up to 13,000 daily in three shifts, is expected to handle more after the upgrade.