African Development Bank Funds Solar Project for Eritrea

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved $58.04 million in grant funding to support a solar mini-grid project in Eritrea’s Gash Barka region. The region, known for its agricultural base and livestock resources, is expected to see improved electricity access in the towns of Tesseney, Kerkebet, and Barentu.

The funding package, comprising $37.31 million from the African Development Fund and $20.73 million from the Bank’s Transition Support Facility, aims to boost local development through reliable electricity.

Project Details

The project involves the construction of a 34 MW solar-powered mini-grid system and the expansion of electricity access across the Gash Barka region. This includes the construction and upgrading of 542 kilometers of distribution lines to strengthen the local power network and connect more homes, public facilities, and businesses.

Alignment with Regional Programs

The Eritrean project is part of the AfDB’s larger “Desert to Power” program, which seeks to harness solar potential in 11 African countries to drive economic growth. This initiative uniquely links power supply with agriculture, supporting irrigation, agro-processing, and cold storage facilities. The goal is to improve farm productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase income for local communities.

Expected Benefits

Approximately 306,000 people are expected to benefit from the project. Construction and operation phases will create new job opportunities and build local skills in renewable energy management and technical maintenance.

Environmental Impact

The shift to solar energy will reduce reliance on diesel generators, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and supporting Eritrea’s efforts toward a climate-resilient energy system.

Broader Goals

The investment supports the “Mission 300” initiative, a joint effort between the World Bank and the AfDB to provide electricity access to 300 million people in Africa by 2030. According to Kevin Kariuki, AfDB’s Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate, and Green Growth, the project will unlock economic activity, create jobs, and support Eritrea’s transition toward a cleaner energy future.