Ethiopia and France join forces to strengthen medium-voltage power transmission capacity

Addis Ababa, November 4, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU) and French multinational Électricité de France (EDF) have signed a technical and training support agreement to enhance Ethiopia’s medium-voltage power transmission lines, marking a key step in modernizing the country’s power sector.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Ethiopia–Europe Investment Forum in Paris by the leaders of EEU and EDF. Under the partnership, the two state-owned institutions will collaborate on medium-voltage live line works, ensuring safer, uninterrupted maintenance of power transmission lines.

EEU Chief Executive Officer Getu Geremew said the partnership will strengthen EEU’s technical capacity, allowing the utility to carry out reliable and safe network maintenance. “This partnership marks an important step in strengthening our technical capabilities, ensuring safer and more reliable network maintenance, and advancing Ethiopia’s power sector modernization journey,” he said.

Getu added that the collaboration will contribute to building a resilient, efficient, and customer-focused electric utility while supporting broader efforts to expand electricity access across Ethiopia.

In addition, EEU engaged with Kenyan firm Thames Electricals Ltd on the possibility of manufacturing electrical infrastructure components locally. According to EEU Communications Executive Anwar Abrar, the company expressed interest in establishing production facilities in Ethiopia, which would further support domestic power sector development and industrial capacity.

The agreement with EDF and discussions with Thames Electricals underscore Ethiopia’s commitment to leveraging international partnerships to modernize its power infrastructure and strengthen technical expertise in the energy sector.