By Abbas Nazil
Ethiopia has finalized a new comprehensive policy for the water and energy sectors aimed at ensuring equitable access, sustainability, and increased private sector participation over the next two decades.
The draft policy was the focal point of a high-level stakeholder forum held on Monday, May 26, 2025, with participants drawn from various sectors to contribute further inputs before the finalization of the document.
Opening the forum, the Minister of Water and Energy, Habtamu Itefa, emphasized the critical importance of the water sector to national security and foreign policy.
He noted that the newly drafted policy had been developed with wide-ranging considerations to reflect the current and future needs of the nation.
The minister reiterated that the input of stakeholders was essential to enrich the policy and ensure it aligns with national priorities and the interests of all citizens.
One of the key features of the new policy is the commitment to fairness and accessibility in water distribution.
The policy underscores equitable resource allocation as a fundamental principle, ensuring that all Ethiopian citizens, regardless of their geographic location or economic status, benefit equally from the nation’s water resources.
It promotes integrated water resource management (IWRM), environmental conservation, and societal safety while encouraging cross-sectoral cooperation.
The minister also highlighted the policy’s inclusive approach, particularly the mechanisms it outlines for engaging the private sector.
By fostering public-private partnerships, the policy seeks to ensure broad participation and shared benefits, thereby promoting transparency, innovation, and efficiency within the sector.
In addition to water, the policy addresses Ethiopia’s energy sector with a similar level of detail and foresight.
It aims to guarantee accessibility to modern and sustainable energy sources for all, particularly rural and underserved communities.
The policy integrates strategies for modern energy transformation, including renewable energy development, improved infrastructure, and regulatory reforms aimed at ensuring energy security.
Furthermore, the energy component of the policy stresses the importance of accelerating sectoral development through diversification and innovation.
It also encourages private investment and public engagement to meet Ethiopia’s growing energy demands in a sustainable manner.
The finalization of this dual-sector policy marks a significant step forward in Ethiopia’s development agenda.
It is designed to serve as a blueprint for sustainable resource management, economic development, and social inclusion for the next 20 years.
The Ministry of Water and Energy anticipates that with the collaborative effort of all stakeholders, the policy will effectively transform the sectors and improve the lives of millions across the nation.