The Government of Ethiopia has awarded 12 small-scale solar energy development projects to three Chinese and one Spanish firms.
The projects will be built in all parts of the country at a cost of more than 296 million birr (around $10.3 million), according to the agreements Ethiopian Electric Unitility signed on Friday. Of the 12 projects, three will be built in Oromia, two in Amhara, two in southern region, while Somali, Tigray, Afar, Benishangul Gumuz and Gambella regions will each have one solar project.
Once completed, the projects will help to light more than 67, 700 rural homes, it was noted at the agreement signing ceremony. About 25 projects are under a design phase and the African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved $15 million loan and grant for the projects.
The World Bank Group and AfDB approved $400 million and $100 million grant and credit, respectively, for similar power development projects.