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Addis Ababa, February 7, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia’s significant progress in energy development is a turning point for the nation and the entire African continent, stated Stephen Kargbo, the UNIDO Representative and Director of the Sub-Regional Office.

In conversation with ENA, Kargbo commended Ethiopia for its significant progress in promoting regional integration in multiple areas, especially in the field of energy development.

He stated that the country’s potential is crucial not only for the nation’s industrial growth and social progress, but also for promoting regional cooperation and tackling the continent’s energy issues.

Furthermore, the strides Ethiopia has made in providing cost-effective energy represent a significant step forward for the country and the broader sub-region, he mentioned.

A major advancement in Ethiopia’s efforts to supply cost-effective energy for its population and the surrounding area has been achieved.

He also emphasized that the energy advancements are set to be transformative for Ethiopia and other African countries.

The UNIDO representative also highlighted that the major challenge confronting Africa is the lack of sufficient energy needed to support industrial growth, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and digital projects.

He emphasized that without dependable and cost-effective energy, Africa’s progress in digitalization and general development is at risk.

One of the major obstacles we encounter in Africa is the insufficient energy supply needed for industrial growth, the lack of energy to support our clinics and hospitals, the absence of energy to power our schools, including internet access; and I could continue discussing digitalization. Without affordable and dependable energy, we can’t even consider progress.

In this context, Kargbo made a clear contrast, referencing his prior experience in China, where the nation’s energy generation capacity is significantly higher than the entire continent of Africa, highlighting the gap Africa must close to keep pace with global industrial developments.