Addis Ababa, July 9, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia has assumed the chairmanship of the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) Council of Ministers, taking over the leadership role from Egypt with a commitment to advancing regional energy integration and cross-border electricity cooperation.
The transition took place during the 22nd meeting of the EAPP Council of Ministers held in Addis Ababa, where member states reviewed key issues aimed at strengthening the regional power market and electricity connectivity.
Established on February 24, 2005, through the signing of an Inter-Governmental Memorandum of Understanding (IGMOU) by seven founding countries, the EAPP was created to promote interconnected electricity systems and facilitate power trade among Eastern African countries. Its membership has since expanded to 13 countries.
Opening the meeting, Minister of Water and Energy Habtamu Itefa said regional electricity cooperation requires common rules, regulatory frameworks, and effective institutional arrangements. He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to supporting regional power integration and strengthening cooperation among EAPP member states.
The meeting also reviewed proposed amendments to the EAPP’s Inter-Governmental Memorandum of Understanding, as well as related administrative guidelines and regulations.
The EAPP has supported major regional electricity initiatives, including the Ethiopia–Kenya electricity interconnection project, which contributes to expanding cross-border power exchange and enhancing energy connectivity across Eastern Africa.