PM Abiy Tours $100 Million Solar Cell Facility Producing 2 GW in First Phase

Addis Ababa, May 2, 2026 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited the Gobeze Solar Cell manufacturing plant located in the Huajian Special Economic Zone in Addis Ababa.

In a social media post shared this morning, the Prime Minister stated that the factory was established based on an agreement signed during the 2025 Invest in Ethiopia Forum, with an initial investment of 100 million US dollars.

He noted that, with “effective support and close follow-up,” the Gobeze Solar Cell manufacturing plant became operational within six months and is equipped with modern machinery and technology. He also indicated that the factory has created job opportunities for many citizens.

According to the post, the plant has an annual production capacity of 2 gigawatts in its first phase, contributing additional capacity toward Ethiopia’s national vision of fully meeting its energy demand through renewable sources.

The Prime Minister further stated that during the visit, he also toured a shoe manufacturing factory and a substation located within the industrial park.