German engineer Siemens has agreed a framework for future energy and transport projects with the government of Ethiopia.
As well as undertaking projects, Siemens will be involved in financing them, and also in training Ethiopian technicians to operate them.
Joe Kaeser, Siemens’ chief executive, commented: "We will apply our vast experience and proven technologies as well as training and education capabilities to help shape the future of Ethiopia and its people. One of the starting projects affirming our strong commitment in the region is the East Africa Interconnector."
Ethiopia has made the development of energy generation one of the pillars of its economic growth strategy, embodied and symbolised by the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
As well as the 1,000km interconnector, which will enable Ethiopia to export up to 2GW of its electricity to Kenya, Siemens will be involved in expanding the national grid, finding specific energy solutions for Ethiopia’s wave of industrial parks, and finding micro-grid solutions for remote villages.
Abebe Abebayehu, a commissioner with the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC), tweeted saying the agreement aims "to establish innovative mediums for partnership between multi-nationals, public institutions & other key stakeholders. It further seeks to foster vocational training in engineering disciplines & strengthening small & medium sized local businesses."
Sabine Dall’Omo, Siemens’ chief executive for southern and eastern Africa, said: "This milestone agreement is another step in demonstrating our strong commitment to the people and government of Ethiopia. We are here today as we have been since 1927, to help achieve affordable and reliable power supply, create jobs, increase access to training and develop local skills alongside local partners."
Siemens established a permanent office in the country in 2017.
Image: Sabine Dall’Omo shakes hands with Abebe Abebayehu while Joe Kaeser looks on (EIC)
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