Eritrea’s Minister of Finance and National Development, Dr. Ghiorghish Teklemichae, who is also the World Bank Governor for the country, led the signing of a historic agreement on March 10 to boost energy access in rural areas. The agreement, supported by the World Bank’s Transitional Support Mechanism (TSF), will enable the installation of mini-grids generating 12 MW of electricity in the regions of Teseney (6 MW), Kerekebet (3 MW), and Barentu (3 MW).
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During the ceremony, Dr. Teklemichae highlighted Eritrea’s commitment to sustainable development and regional cooperation: “We are proud to say that Africa is working with Africa to bring change to Africa. This is for the good of our people, and we are ready to work with you.” The event was also attended by Dr. Léandre Bassole, the World Bank’s Deputy Director General for Eastern Africa, who reaffirmed the institution’s support for the country’s progress: “Our main objective is to accompany countries in driving their own development.”
The project will be implemented by Eritrea’s Ministry of Energy and the Eritrean Electricity Corporation (EEC), in collaboration with local companies and under the supervision of a consulting firm specializing in design and engineering. Over 235,000 people are expected to directly benefit, including women and youth, with a positive impact on at least 160 schools and 90 healthcare centers in the Gash Barka region.
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To ensure the project’s sustainability, 25 local companies will be trained in the use of modern tools and machinery, fostering the development of technical skills in the energy sector. This strategy aligns with Eritrea’s 2018 National Energy Policy, which aims for renewable energy to contribute 20% of national electricity by 2030.
The project also supports the World Bank’s 2022-2024 Country Strategy Paper for Eritrea, which focuses on developing sustainable infrastructure to strengthen agricultural value chains and promote economic diversification. With this initiative, Eritrea takes a decisive step towards a more inclusive and sustainable future, driving local development through innovative and sustainable energy solutions.
