Ethiopia Secures $45 Million Grant from Green Climate Fund for Water Access Initiative

Addis ababa: Ethiopia has signed a $45 million grant agreement with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to improve access to safe water in its drought-prone regions. The funds will support a project aimed at enhancing water security through renewable energy solutions, targeting the Oromia and Amhara regions.According to Ethiopian News Agency, the GCF board approved the grant project, titled "Climate-resilient community access to safe water powered by renewable energy in drought-vulnerable regions of Ethiopia," during its 40th meeting on October 23, 2024. The initiative will be implemented with a total budget of $50 million, which includes $5 million in co-financing from the Ethiopian government, as stated by the Ministry of Finance.The project plans to use solar-powered water pumping systems to sustainably extract water for drinking and irrigation purposes. It is expected to directly benefit over 355,000 individuals by improving access to safe water and enhancing agricultural productivity in the most climate-vul nerable areas of Ethiopia. The implementation reflects Ethiopia's broader strategy to tackle the impacts of climate change by leveraging renewable energy solutions.Following the grant approval, the agreement was signed by Dessie Dalkie, Ethiopian Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, and Henry Gonzalez, Chief Investment Officer of the GCF. The support from the GCF is seen as crucial in advancing Ethiopia's climate adaptation initiatives and promoting sustainable development in the region.