Minister of Energy and Infrastructure and Cabinet Member Eli Cohen: “Ethiopia is among Africa’s central countries, and one of the largest economies in the continent. Through Israeli innovation and technology, we are working to strengthen Israel’s ties and standing in Africa and to bolster both state’s economies.”
The Minister of Energy and Infrastructure visited Ethiopia this week, with the purpose of strengthening the ties between the countries in the fields of energy, water and innovation as well as bolstering Israel’s standing in the African continent. Ethiopia is strategically located in Africa, is home to approximately 120 million people, and its economy is among the largest in the continent, with high growth in the past decade. There is great potential for strengthening the ties between the two countries and creating value for both nations. During the visit, the minister met with Ethiopia’s Minister of Energy and Water, Dr. Habtamu Itefa Geleta. The ministers discussed different areas of cooperation, including having Israeli companies develop renewable energy in Ethiopia, with an emphasis on solar energy, as well as the incorporation of Israeli companies in the development of water infrastructure in Ethiopia.
Additionally, as part of the visit, minister Eli Cohen met with Ethiopia’s State Minister of Mines, Petroleum Development and Control Million Mathewos, Minister of Irrigation and Lowlands Abraham Belay, and Minister of Innovation and Technology Dr. Belete Molla. The Minister also met with representatives from the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and the U.N. Development Program. As part of the activities to bolster economic and business ties between the two states, the Minister held a meeting with Israeli business-people who are active in Africa, as well as business-people and representatives of companies from Ethiopia.
As mentioned, Ethiopia’s economy is among the larges in the African continent, and its growth projection for 2025 is 8.1%. Ethiopia is a rich with water sources, but only a small percent of it is utilized. Isreal is among the countries with the lowest rate of none-revenue water in the world, and can assist Ethiopia, through innovation and technology, in developing water infrastructure.
An increase in cooperation between Israel and Ethiopia, beyond the significant economic benefit to both sides, will bolster Israel’s political status in the African continent.
