Ethiopia is working to strengthen its strategic partnership with the World Bank to improve electricity access by expanding transmission lines and substations.

The Ethiopian Electric Power Transmission and Substation Business Sectors announced that the country aims to increase its current 54% electricity coverage in the coming years.

A recent Early Market Engagement (EME) workshop in Addis Ababa showcased the strategic roadmap for this transformation, uniting global investors, suppliers, and sector stakeholders to align procurement practices with international standards.

The workshop, led by World Bank Procurement Specialist Amare Asefa and EEP’s Tadesse Biru, highlighted Ethiopia’s commitment to sustainable energy growth through the Power Sector Reform Investment and Modernization Program (PRIME-I).

Central to this effort are critical infrastructure projects, including six new substations, extended transmission lines, and hybrid solar mini-grids for rural electrification all designed to modernize the grid while accelerating clean energy adoption.

A key focus was Ethiopia’s adoption of the World Bank’s Rated Criteria system, which prioritizes technical quality, lifecycle costs, and sustainability over low-cost bids.

Under this framework, 60% of bid evaluations now weigh technical merit; ensuring projects align with Green, Resilient, and Inclusive Development (GRID) objectives.

Destalem Hailu EEP’s Transmission and Substation Business sector Program II Director reiterated the urgency of achieving universal access, emphasizing transparent procurement to attract top-tier global partners.

The event also addressed risk mitigation, environmental safeguards, and Ethiopia’s evolving energy market, fostering discussions on supply chain resilience and cutting-edge technologies.

With PRIME-I tenders set to launch soon, EEP’s proactive engagement underscores a pivotal shift leveraging innovation and equity to electrify Ethiopia’s future and fuel its economic growth.