By: Shegaw Yemataw
Regional power connectivity is no longer a distant dream, but a critical necessity for political stability and economic integration across East Africa, asserted Gedion Timothewos, Ethiopia's Foreign Affairs Minister. His remarks came at the Fourth Annual Forum for Regional Integration and Reasonable Utilization of the Nile, held in Addis Ababa, highlighting Ethiopia's growing role as a regional energy hub.
The forum, themed "Regional power connectivity for inclusive and sustainable development," gathered senior government officials, policymakers, diplomats, and representatives from the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) and other development organizations. Its main goal is to foster greater cooperation in the regional energy sector and harmonize policies to ensure equitable energy access throughout Africa.
A Coordinated Approach to Energy Equity
Minister Gedion, in his opening address, underscored the vital need for coordinated action to address the power disparities in the region. He emphasized that regional power connectivity is paramount for economic integration, pointing to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as a clear demonstration of Ethiopia's commitment to regional power integration.
Jafar Bedru, Executive Director at the Institute of Foreign Affairs, echoed these sentiments. He stated that regional power integration has evolved from a long-term aspiration to an immediate, strategic imperative demanding concerted efforts. Jafar also highlighted the Institute's dedicated work in facilitating policy dialogue aimed at achieving fair and sustainable power distribution across the region.
Unifying Regional Efforts
Michael Kizza, Deputy Executive Director for the Nile Basin Initiative, stressed the forum's importance in transforming fragmented regional efforts into a unified approach that benefits all riparian countries. He also called for strengthened institutional cooperation and increased financial mobilization within the region to achieve these objectives.
The forum, organized by the Institute of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with Ethiopian Electric Power, featured insightful presentations and discussions. Panelists delved into crucial topics such as power connectivity for energy security, the harmonization of regulatory frameworks, and strategies for financing electric connectivity throughout the region.