country profile
Similarly, the Aysha II Wind Farm is nearing completion. Valued at 257-Million US dollars, it adds 120 MW to Ethiopia’s grid, with the first 80 MW already online. Despite financing delays, Ethiopian Electric Power has pressed ahead, sourcing turbines, towers and mechanical components that rely heavily on stainless steel for longevity and minimal maintenance. These initiatives form part of a ten year, 40-Billion US dollar renewable energy plan encompassing 71 projects. The aim is to double generation capacity and export clean electricity across East Africa, a vision that offers vast scope for industrial materials and fabrication expertise. Mining and Manufacturing Momentum While power generation dominates headlines, Ethiopia’s mining sector is gaining equal traction. The Tulu Kapi Gold Project has secured 240-Million US dollars in financing from the Africa Finance Corporation and the Trade and Development Bank. Once operational in 2027, it will produce around 164 000 ounces of gold per year. Mining infrastructure, from processing plants to pipelines, depends on high-performance materials capable of withstanding abrasion and corrosion, a strong fit for stainless steel fabricators. The same applies to the Kurmuk Gold Project, due to start production in 2026 with a capacity of 200 000 ounces annually. Downstream, these developments will also support local manufacturing. Ethiopia’s industrial parks, such as those in Hawassa and Dire Dawa, are expanding their focus from textiles to light engineering and metal fabrication, signalling a future demand for stainless steel in machinery, food processing, and construction applications.
Funded entirely by public contributions over 14 years, the GERD is a symbol of Ethiopian pride and self-reliance. Built using local materials wherever possible, it also created significant demand for structural and corrosion-resistant metals. For the stainless steel sector, such mega projects highlight a long-term opportunity in supplying durable materials for water handling systems, turbine housings, spillway gates and transmission infrastructure. “The GERD was our generation’s proving ground,” said Prime Minister Abiy. “Now, we must look forward – to build, to innovate and to power our prosperity.” Ethiopia’s planned nuclear plant, said to rival the GERD in scale, represents a major step in diversifying the country’s energy sources. Stainless steel and specialist alloys are expected to play a critical role in reactor construction, piping and containment systems; areas where high corrosion resistance and performance under pressure are essential.
“Ethiopia is not just lighting homes, it is building the backbone of Africa’s green industrial revolution.”
Hydropower and Wind: Expanding the Green Grid Beyond the GERD, Ethiopia’s renewable energy expansion continues at pace. The Koisha Hydropower Project, now 70 per cent complete, will generate 1 800 MW and produce more than 6 400 GWh of electricity annually when finished. Its 201 metre high dam structure is one of the largest civil engineering undertakings in the nation’s history.
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Issue 4 – 2025
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