Ethiopia Inaugurates Wind Farm with Regional Leaders as Power Exports take Priority

Ethiopia

Ethiopia’s prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, inaugurated the first phase of the Aysha II wind farm in the eastern Somali region, underscoring the country’s ambition to become a major exporter of clean electricity and a regional energy hub.

The project, designed to harness the strong winds that sweep across the Sitti zone, is part of a sweeping national strategy to expand renewable energy capacity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The first 80 megawatts of capacity from the Aysha II site have already been connected to the national grid, officials said, with the full plant expected to reach 120 megawatts once complete.

Leaders from neighboring countries attended the ceremony, including Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, reflecting Ethiopia’s efforts to deepen regional cooperation through shared energy infrastructure. Mr. Abiy said the project was a testament to Ethiopia’s commitment to self-reliance and economic transformation driven by its abundant natural resources.

Mr. Abiy highlighted that the development of clean energy would not only strengthen their domestic capabilities but also foster regional integration and cross-border connectivity.

The wind farm was built with significant involvement from Dongfang Electric Corporation, a Chinese firm that supplied advanced turbine technology. Officials said the turbines installed at Aysha II generate more power per unit than those used in earlier Ethiopian wind projects, a boost to the country’s renewable portfolio.

Ethiopia has been rapidly scaling up its energy infrastructure in recent years, including large hydropower projects such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which has already begun producing electricity and will further expand the nation’s export capacity.

Energy exports are increasingly central to Ethiopia’s economic planning. By developing a mix of wind, solar, hydro and geothermal power, the government aims to supply both domestic demand and surplus capacity for export across East Africa, tying economic growth to a vision of regional energy interdependence.

Analysts say the Aysha II project marks a notable milestone in Ethiopia’s renewable energy drive, though challenges remain, including expanding transmission infrastructure and ensuring that rural communities benefit from expanded access to electricity.