Ethiopia is fast-tracking its transition to a climate-resilient green economy, unveiling bold policies and massive infrastructure projects in response to intensifying climate threats. As the country grapples with floods, droughts, and erratic rainfall, authorities are doubling down on renewable energy, sustainable farming, and climate finance advocacy.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), set for completion in September 2025, will be Africa’s largest hydroelectric project with a 5,000 MW capacity. Already supplying over 2,300 MW, GERD is the centerpiece of Ethiopia plan to meet all its power needs through renewables primarily hydropower, wind, and geothermal.
Facing rising economic risks climate-related losses could hit 5% of GDP by the 2040s Ethiopia is implementing a $6 billion-a-year National Adaptation Plan (NAP). The strategy outlines priorities in agriculture, energy, health, and urban development, aiming to cut emissions by nearly 69% by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050.
Since 2019, the Green Legacy Initiative has seen over 40 billion trees planted, while new electric vehicle policies aim to push EV numbers from 15,000 to 148,000 by 2030. Meanwhile, farmers are being urged to adopt soil conservation, irrigation, and agroforestry to survive worsening droughts and unpredictable rainfall. With agriculture employing 97% of rural households, adaptation is a national imperative.
Despite these efforts Ethiopia path remains challenged by limited resources. The government has committed to funding 20% of its climate goals but seeks substantial international climate finance to cover the rest.
As Addis Ababa prepares to host the Second Africa Climate Summit in September, Ethiopia is positioning itself as a climate leader on the continent proof that even one of Africa’s most climate-vulnerable nations can chart a resilient, low-carbon future.