Ethiopia has joined SoLAR Phase 2 at a time when the country is expanding its focus on clean irrigation solutions. Agriculture remains a major part of Ethiopia’s economy, and solar irrigation is increasingly seen as a viable option to support rural livelihoods. The project works with the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), the Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI), and local enterprises such as Green Scene Energy (GSE) to strengthen on-ground implementation and the overall enabling environment.
Under Phase 2, activities include supporting the integration of solar irrigation into national programmes and testing gender inclusive financing and business models. The project is also generating on-field evidence through pilot demonstrations. Capacity building for regional officers and work on sustainable groundwater use form another important part of the programme, as these are essential for long-term solar irrigation expansion.
Through innovation and knowledge sharing platforms, SoLAR Phase 2 aims to support Ethiopia in improving food security, advancing climate adaptation, and promoting sustainable electrification of irrigated agriculture.