Finance Minister Ahmed Shide emphasized the critical importance of energy integration for interconnected growth and stability across the Horn region, called for continued support during the 27th Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI) Ministerial Meeting held in Mogadishu, Somalia.
The high-level assembly, which brought together finance ministers and prominent development partners, focused on accelerating energy access financing and deepening regional ties.
During the deliberations, Ahmed articulated a vision of shared prosperity rooted in energy cooperation, highlighting its role as a cornerstone for stability and development in the Horn of Africa.
The Minister presented Ethiopia’s ambitious National Energy Compact, a strategic roadmap requiring over 9 billion USD to achieve universal electricity access by 2030.
He underscored Ethiopia’s significant strides in expanding renewable energy generation and its unwavering commitment to bolstering regional interconnections through shared infrastructure.
The meeting reaffirmed the vital nature of the energy sector, with partners pledging to leverage regional windows and private-sector investment to bridge the energy gap.
Partners confirmed their commitment to financing new power grid links with Somalia and South Sudan, building upon Ethiopia’s existing successful connections with Sudan, Djibouti, and Kenya.
Participants at the forum also recognized the transformative potential of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as a primary engine for sustainable development and regional empowerment.
Representatives from the World Bank, African Development Bank, and the European Union reaffirmed their support for initiatives like Mission 300, which aims to advance universal energy access.
To ensure seamless progress, the ministers agreed to establish a high-level committee dedicated to policy harmonization and the acceleration of regional energy integration.
Following the session, Minister Ahmed Shide attended an official dinner hosted by the President of Somalia, fostering further diplomatic engagement among the initiative’s participants.