The Ambassador-Designate of the European Union to Ethiopia, H.E. Sofie From-Emmesberger, has visited the Alianza Shire project in the Somali region of Ethiopia, highlighting the EU’s commitment to sustainable development. During her visit, she witnessed the transformative impact of the clean energy installations. For the more than 55,000 refugees and members of host communities located 350 km from the national grid, access to electricity is crucial for safety and economic stability.

“The EU is committed to creating sustainable, lasting solutions for communities in need,” said Ambassador-Designate Sofie From-Emmesberger. “By investing in clean energy, we are improving day-to-day safety and creating opportunities for education, healthcare, and economic growth.”

The Team Europe mission comprised the European Union, the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), UNHCR, Fundación acciona.org, the itdUPM and the Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS).

The mission engaged with community leaders, local partners, beneficiaries and project teams to observe the profound impact of Alianza Shire’s solar energy solutions. In the Kobe Refugee Camp, 207 solar streetlights have brought lighting to 45.6% of the camp, up from only 13.8%. This expansion of night lighting has created safer spaces for 31,150 residents, especially women and children, and has enabled activities to continue after sunset.

The Ambassador-Designate observed the mini-grid in the camp powering 16 critical services such as schools, health centres, and an e-cooking pilot programme for school feeding. The 125Wp mini-grid provides a reliable energy source for essential community services, reduces energy-related vulnerabilities, and promotes clean cooking initiatives that reduce firewood use and associated health risks.

The Ambassador-Designate also visited Hilaweyn Camp, where 1,700 Solar Home Systems (SHS) now provide essential power to 12,500 residents. These systems offer daily lighting and mobile charging capabilities, reducing reliance on firewood and improving health and living standards. Community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with 90% of SHS users rating the service as good or very good.

A core aspect of the Alianza Shire model is its focus on sustainability and local empowerment. Local cooperatives manage the energy systems, setting affordable fees, overseeing operations, and ensuring long-term functionality. This community-led approach creates jobs and builds capacity, allowing the energy systems to be maintained and expanded over time.

Backed by the EU, Alianza Shire is a multi-partner initiative that includes the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), acciona.org, Iberdrola, UNHCR, and local Ethiopian stakeholders. This collaborative framework integrates expertise from both the public and private sectors and academia, setting a standard for sustainable energy solutions in humanitarian contexts.

Ambassador-Designate From-Emmesberger’s visit reinforced the EU’s commitment to innovative, durable solutions that address the critical energy needs of refugee and host communities. By supporting projects like Alianza Shire, the EU helps build resilient communities, foster economic opportunity, and promote safe, sustainable energy access.

As the EU continues to prioritise clean energy in its humanitarian and development efforts, the successful outcomes of Alianza Shire in Dollo Ado provide a model for future initiatives. Ambassador-Designate From-Emmesberger emphasised that sustainable energy access remains a cornerstone of the EU’s commitment to empowering vulnerable communities and creating lasting resilience.