Off-Grid Solar Plants Light Up Afar and Gambella Communities


Off-Grid Solar Plants Light Up Afar and Gambella Communities

Ethiopian Electric Utility has commissioned two solar energy installations, collectively generating 400 kW of power, with the primary objective of delivering dependable electricity to remote and underserved communities in the Afar and Gambella regional states. The projects, situated in Metehara (Afar) and Bada (Gambella), are now fully operational and ready to provide full service. Executed by Chinese firms CET and NR Consortium, the projects harness advanced off-grid solar technology to remote communities. The Bada plant in Gambella comprises 558-watt solar panels and a generator capable of storing up to 250 kW through 600 battery cells. The Metehara installation in Afar incorporates 342 panels and a backup generator with a 150kW storage capacity, supported by 400 battery cells. Beyond addressing energy scarcity, these projects are poised to catalyze socioeconomic transformation. They facilitate the creation of employment, improve access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and sanitation, and stimulate local economic activity by powering enterprises, market hubs, hospitality venues, retail outlets, and various service providers. The combined cost of the two installations amounts to approximately 960,000 dollars and 13.34 million Br, jointly financed by the African Development Bank and the Government of Ethiopia. To date, seven of the envisaged 25 solar energy projects have already commenced operations in the Somali, Oromia, South, and South-West Ethiopia regional states.

[ssba-buttons]

Radar

Bank of Abyssinia Signs Partnership with Droga Cooperative

Bank of Abyssinia has entered into a partnership agreement with Droga Health & Financial Savings and Credit Cooperative to provide financial support and services for its members. The agreement was signed yesterday at the Bank's headquarters. The deal aims to strengthen collaboration between the two institutions, enabling cooperative members to access tailored banking services. It was signed by Wosenyeleh Abera, Deputy CEO for Customer Relations and Marketing at the bank, and Zelalem Yilma...


Radar

Wegagen Introduces Real Time SWIFT Tracking

Wegagen Bank has launched a new mobile app feature enabling customers to track international SWIFT payments in real time. The bank is the first in Ethiopia to introduce an online SWIFT payment tracking system. By integrating SWIFT Global Payment Innovation, customers, particularly those involved in import-export trade, can monitor cross-border transactions using a Unique End-to-End Transaction Reference (UETR) directly from their smartphones. To use the service, customers select the SWIFT...


Radar

National ID, Zambia Partners to Expands Program Reach

The National ID Program has signed an agreement with Zambia's counterpart to provide consulting services for the development of software that will issue digital IDs. It is the first time the institution has extended its expertise beyond national borders, a sign of growing recognition for its rapid progress. Program officials described the partnership as a milestone in their effort to position themselves as a regional player in digital transformation. The collaboration is expected to center...