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Electric

Rural electrification expands to 103 towns

May 15, 2026
Rural electrification expands to 103 towns

- The Ethiopian Electric Utility connected 103 rural towns and villages to electricity in the first nine months of the 2025/26 fiscal year. Of these, 82 were linked to the national grid and 21 via off-grid solar systems.


- More than 31 000 households benefited, and the utility added 423 200 new customers, marking an 18.6 % increase over the previous year.


Market Impact: Expanded electricity access supports rural economic growth, improves social services and could stimulate demand for electric vehicles and appliances. Investment in off-grid systems shows commitment to mixed energy solutions.


Key Numbers:

- 103 — towns and villages newly electrified.

- 31 000+ — households gaining access.

- 423 200 — new customers added.

- 18.6 % — year-on-year growth in customer base.


Business Signal: Rapid rural electrification indicates growing infrastructure investment and could create opportunities in renewable energy, electric transport and rural commerce.