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Red Sun Rising: $250M Lights Up Ethiopia
Jennifer Onyegbule
October 21, 2025
Tuesday, October 21st, 2025
Red Sun Rising: $250M Lights Up Ethiopia
In Today’s Edition:
China POURS $250M Into Ethiopia Solar HUB
Türkiye, Gambia Seal New Green Energy Deal
ETHIOPIA
Key Figures & Findings: Three Chinese firms are investing over $500 million to develop Ethiopia’s solar manufacturing sector, in one of the largest clean energy industrial pushes in East Africa. Shanghai-listed CSI Solar, majority-owned by Canadian Solar Inc., will inject $250 million into a new solar module and energy storage plant, while Hainan Drinda New Energy and Toyo Solar Manufacturing are setting up additional facilities.
Future Implications: If delivered as planned, the influx of Chinese investment could turn Ethiopia into a solar technology hub for East Africa, fostering local manufacturing and research capacity. Yet, the long-term viability of these projects will depend on political stability in regions such as Amhara, Tigray, and Oromia, and the government’s ability to ensure reliable, low-cost industrial power.
Source: China Global South
Quick Take: Beijing’s cash, Ethiopia’s ambition — one of them will define who controls Africa’s clean energy future.
Did you know?
The theoretical reserves of Africa's solar energy are estimated at 60,000,000 TWh/year, which is 1,000 times larger than the continent's projected electricity demand for 2040.
GAMBIA
Key Figures & Findings: Türkiye has signed a new renewable energy cooperation agreement with Gambia, marking another milestone in Ankara’s growing partnership with Africa. The memorandum of understanding, signed by Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar and Gambian Energy Minister Nani Juwara, paves the way for joint projects in hydroelectric, solar, and wind power. The initiative aligns with Türkiye’s “Africa Partnership Policy,” deepening ties across infrastructure, mining, and sustainable energy development.
Future Implications: If implemented as planned, the Türkiye–Gambia partnership could accelerate Gambia’s shift toward cleaner, more stable power generation. Collaboration could also set the stage for regional cross-border energy integration, drawing on Türkiye’s technical expertise and Africa’s abundant renewable resources — a model likely to expand to other nations by 2026 and beyond.
Source: Anadolu Agency
Quick Take: Türkiye’s energy bet in Gambia isn’t just diplomacy — it’s strategy. If it works, it could redraw Africa’s renewable power map.