Why is EV development important in Ethiopia?

Supporting the domestic development of EVs is crucial to Ethiopia's strategic goals after it last year became the first country in the world to ban all imports of fuel-powered vehicles. Measured by power generation capacity, the GERD is the 15th biggest hydro-electric dam in the world.

Should Africa start importing electricity from Ethiopia?

Dozens of African nations, including Kenya, Tanzania and South Sudan, have expressed interest in starting or scaling up electricity imports from Ethiopia following the mega dam launch. Countries lying downstream, however, do not share the same optimism.

Will Ethiopia's new dam stop floods & drought?

The dam’s reservoir has flooded an area larger than Greater London, which the government says will provide a steady water supply for irrigation downstream while limiting floods and drought. Ethiopia’s downstream neighbors, however, have watched the project advance with dread since construction began in 2011.

How many people in Ethiopia lack electricity?

Around 45 per cent of Ethiopia's 130 million people lack electricity, according to World Bank data, and frequent blackouts in the capital Addis Ababa force businesses and households to rely on generators. Ethiopia's PM Abiy Ahmed said the construction of the dam represented a remarkable feat. (Reuters: Tiksa Negeri)

Will extra power help Ethiopia's bitcoin mining industry?

While the extra power will help the country’s burgeoning bitcoin mining industry, most rural Ethiopians may have to wait a little longer to benefit. Access to electricity in rural areas is often constrained by underdeveloped transmission networks.