Ethiopia aims to achieve full electrification by 2025 through a combination of on- and off-grid systems. Reaching this target will require a supportive governance framework that promotes collaboration amongst diverse actors from across public, private and donor spheres.

This work first presents the results of a global review of regulatory practices concerning off-grid electrification, including comparative analysis of the 20 Sustainable Energy for All ‘high-impact’ countries. This review identifies eight policy and regulatory domains, which are used to characterize Ethiopia’s current policy and regulatory measures. Finally, future governance, policy and regulatory options are identified that will support the delivery of Ethiopia’s desired energy future. Continued development of decentralized low carbon electrification could benefit from streamlined licensing for smaller projects, and dedicated multi-stakeholder collaboration that builds on the growing range of off-grid projects in Ethiopia.