Ethiopia drafts long-term water and energy policy to ensure equity, access, and private sector engagement

Addis Ababa, May 27, 2025 (FMC) – The preparation of a new Water and Energy Policy is well underway, with the goal of serving the nation in the years ahead, the Ministry of Water and Energy has revealed.

A stakeholder consultation forum was held today to enrich the draft policy with additional input from relevant actors in the water and energy sectors.

Opening the discussion, Minister of Water and Energy Engineer Habtamu Itefa stated that the water sector is closely linked to the country’s security and foreign policy. Accordingly, he emphasized that the draft policy was developed with all necessary considerations and welcomed further contributions from participants.

He noted that the policy prioritizes private sector participation and outlines mechanisms for engaging private actors to ensure inclusiveness and equitable benefits in the sector.

Expected to guide the nation for the next 20 years, the draft policy is built on key principles such as fairness, accessibility, and equitable distribution for all citizens.

It also addresses integrated water resource management, environmental protection, public safety, cooperation, and multi-sectoral benefits, among other areas.

Regarding the energy sector, the Minister noted that the policy emphasizes accessibility, private sector involvement, and modern energy transformation. It also considers enhancing equitable access, ensuring energy security, and accelerating sectoral development.