One transformative initiative under ELEAP is the installation of 11 solar mini-grids, which now serve 20,000 people in isolated communities. These mini-grids are more than just a power source—they are driving economic growth and improving quality of life.
In Tum, a remote Ethiopian village near the South Sudan border, electricity has reshaped daily life. Meskerem Tadesse, a mother of four, once relied on kerosene and firewood for light and cooking. Today, thanks to a solar mini-grid, she runs a thriving grocery business, leveraging refrigeration to sell freezer pops in the region’s hot climate. “The income from my store has helped me buy a computer for my children, improving their education,” says Meskerem.
Electricity has also eased household tasks. Electric stoves replaced wood fires, reducing time spent on chores and exposure to harmful smoke. Meskerem now plans to start an electricity-powered mill, reflecting the broader economic potential unleashed by rural electrification.
Access to electricity has significantly improved essential services across Ethiopia. Over 19,000 public facilities have benefited from ELEAP's on-grid and off-grid solutions. In the Zaro health clinic, electricity powers vaccine freezers, ensuring proper storage and safe immunization schedules. “Before, we had to transport vaccines long distances, risking exposure to heat. Now, we can store them here and maintain their quality,” explains Engida Guche, a health worker in Zaro.
Since 2017, Ethiopia’s National Electrification Program (NEP) has aimed to provide universal energy access. Supported by ELEAP, the country has achieved a 55% electrification rate, up from just 20% in 2015. By 2026, nearly 10 million more Ethiopians are expected to gain electricity access, with ongoing support from the Access to Distributed Electricity and Lighting in Ethiopia Project (ADELE).
“Energy is a key driver of economic development,” says Shiferaw Telila, CEO of the Ethiopian Electric Utility. “Villages with access to energy see economic improvements within just a few years, creating job opportunities and improving quality of life.”
With ELEAP’s success and further initiatives underway, Ethiopia is on a promising path toward universal electricity access by 2030, supporting sustainable growth and improved livelihoods across rural communities.
