Data Hubs Fuel State Power Seller's Revenues Engine

May 25 , 2024


[ssba-buttons]

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) has garnered over half a billion Birr in revenues over the past nine months through power sales to data mining companies. While the initial announcement mentioned "data mining," EEP now clarifies they are targeting data centres, which encompass a wider range of computing services beyond cryptocurrency mining. Menelik Getahun, head of EEP's market development, emphasizes the importance of diversifying revenue. He said data centre sales complement EEP's traditional income sources like power sales and fibre optic rentals. EEP officials also earned 121.78 million Bt from the Reppie Waste-to-Energy Power Plant, showcasing alternative energy sources. They announced it would be selling energy to data mining companies a few months ago after several BitCoin miners showed interest in the vast hydropower resources of the country. Crypto mining is an energy-intensive process demanding amounts ranging from 10MW to 100MW. Ethiopia generates around 5,200MW of energy from hydroelectric sources, making it a lucrative source of cheap electric energy for miners, who are not welcome for long in most countries.


Radar

Ethiopia, IFAD Sign 69.2m Dollar Deal to Promote Lowland Resilience

The Ethiopian Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have signed a 69.2 million dollar grant agreement to implement Phase II of the Lowland Livelihoods Resilience Project (LLRP II). The grant agreement was signed by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide and IFAD President Alvaro Lario. The project targets climate resilience and improved livelihoods for three million people in pastoral and agro-pastoral communities. Co-financed by the World Bank, LLRP II covers eight reg...


Radar

NBE Expands Diaspora Warning Over Unlicensed Remittance Firms

The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has issued an expanded public warning targeting unlicensed remittance operators abroad, flagging four U.S.-based companies it says are undermining Ethiopia's financial regulations. The warning includes newly disclosed findings and specific cases that underscore growing concerns about illicit cross-border financial activity. Remittance flows remain a vital lifeline for Ethiopia's economy, supporting households and supplying critical foreign currency. But as...


Radar

Stricter Standards Unveiled for Public Auditors, Accounting Firms

The Accounting & Auditing Board of Ethiopia (AABE) has issued a new directive aimed at strengthening oversight and professional standards in the accounting and auditing sector. Grounded in the Financial Reporting Proclamation, the directive addresses long-standing regulatory gaps while preparing the sector for the country's emerging capital market. Key provisions introduce stricter licensing standards for public auditors, professionals permitted to audit public interest entities. Applican...