Written By: Faith Jemosop
In rural Ethiopia, education and electricity have often existed in parallel but disconnected realities. Many schools, despite having the potential for digital learning, remain shackled by a lack of reliable power. But one powerful intervention is changing that solar energy. At the heart of this transformation is a strategic partnership involving the Ethiopian government, UNDP, and the Government of China.
This blog post dives into who’s funding it, why it’s happening now, and how it’s becoming a blueprint for rural electrification and community transformation across Africa.
Why Solar Power? Why Now?
Let’s start with a hard truth: over 55% of Ethiopians still lack access to electricity, with rural areas bearing the brunt. This has made schools unable to use computers, projectors, or even run printers. Even when development organizations donate tech equipment, the absence of electricity renders them useless.
This is what happened at Kebbele Primary School, located in the Harari Regional State of eastern Ethiopia. Though well-equipped with desktops and learning tools, the school could not use them until a recent intervention changed that.
Who’s Behind the Solar Initiative?
This is not just a local feel-good story, it’s an international collaboration with clear development and sustainability goals. The key players include:
1. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
UNDP initiated the “Solar for Education and Health” initiative under its broader climate resilience and energy access programs. The idea is simple but powerful: leverage solar energy to simultaneously advance education, healthcare, and gender equality.
2. Government of Ethiopia
Through the Ministry of Water and Energy, and with cooperation from regional education bureaus, the Ethiopian government is prioritizing off-grid solar to reach schools and health posts in underserved areas. The project aligns with Ethiopia’s 10-Year Development Plan and the National Electrification Program (NEP 2.0), which envisions universal access to electricity by 2030.
3. Government of China (South-South Cooperation)
What makes this initiative particularly interesting is its execution under South-South Cooperation, a framework for collaboration among developing countries. China provided solar technology, technical know-how, and funding for installation and training.
4. Local Technicians and Community Members
Capacity building is central to the project. Local technicians were trained by Chinese engineers to install, maintain, and troubleshoot the systems ensuring sustainability long after the donors leave.
Also read: Solar Power Is Saving the Rich and Stranding the Poor in South Africa
What Exactly Was Installed?
At Kebbele Primary School, a 9kW solar PV system was installed. It now powers:
- Desktops and laptops for digital learning
- Projectors and TVs for multimedia teaching
- Lights and fans to improve the learning environment
- Charging stations for both school and community use
Nearby households, who previously relied on kerosene and battery-powered torches, can now charge their phones and small appliances at the school for a small fee that generates income for school upkeep.
Ripple Effects: Beyond the School Gate
The introduction of solar energy triggered a cascade of benefits beyond the classroom:
Adult Education & Night Classes
For the first time, adults in the village attend evening literacy classes, something impossible before without lighting.
Healthcare Services
In areas where schools share grounds with health posts, like in Bidimo, the power supports cold chains for vaccines and lights for nighttime emergencies.
Economic Empowerment
Schools like Bidimo and Wogagen have begun micro-enterprises such as:
- Renting solar battery packs to homes
- Selling mobile charging time
- Leasing classroom space for community meetings
Women and Girls Benefit the Most
Access to lighting extends study time for girls, who often do chores during the day. Women attending night literacy programs now do so safely. Girls also benefit from better school attendance where solar power supports sanitation facilities and menstrual hygiene programs.
How Much Does This Cost?
Each 9kW system costs approximately $15,000 to $25,000, depending on transport, terrain, and storage needs. Here’s a breakdown of the cost covered under the partnership:
- China contributed 60% of the capital cost through technology donation and technical expertise.
- UNDP covered 30%, including training, community mobilization, and monitoring.
- The Ethiopian Government covered the remaining 10%, usually in the form of land, logistics, and coordination through local education bureaus.
Is This Sustainable?
The long-term vision is sustainability through:
- Local ownership: School staff and village committees are trained to manage the system.
- Maintenance funds: Revenue from community services is saved for equipment repair or battery replacement.
- Policy alignment: The initiative feeds into Ethiopia’s National Electrification Program (NEP 2.0), which aims to have 65% off-grid connections powered by renewable sources.
Also read: How Governments Can Accelerate Africa’s Renewable Energy Future
Challenges & Future Plans
Despite success stories, challenges remain:
- Initial costs are still high for replication across thousands of schools.
- Battery lifespan remains a concern; some systems will need replacement in 5-7 years.
- Security and theft require fencing and locks in some high-risk regions.
To scale this initiative, Ethiopia and UNDP are currently exploring:
- Public-private partnerships
- Carbon finance options for emission offsets
- Incorporating solar mini-grids for entire village electrification
