Addis Ababa, October 23/2025 (ABN)
In a landmark move to advance Ethiopia’s renewable energy ambitions, the Ethiopian Mineral Corporation (EMC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sunbird Bio-Energy Africa Limited to jointly develop a strategic biofuel project in Ethiopia. The signing ceremony, held at Sharton Addis Hotel, brought together senior executives, government representatives, and industry stakeholders to mark a new era of cooperation in sustainable energy development.
The partnership underscores Ethiopia’s growing focus on green energy and sustainable industrialization. The Ethiopian Mineral Corporation (EMC), a state-owned enterprise, is mandated to explore, develop, and manage Ethiopia’s mineral resources responsibly. With operations spanning gold, potash, lithium, and rare earth elements, EMC plays a central role in driving mineral-based industrial growth while upholding environmental and social standards. In line with the country’s Climate-Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) strategy, the corporation has recently expanded its vision to include energy-linked resource development integrating mineral extraction with renewable energy production to support Ethiopia’s transition toward a low-carbon economy.
Sunbird Bio-Energy Africa Limited, headquartered in the United Kingdom, is a pioneering renewable energy company operating across Africa with a strong presence in Zambia, Sierra Leone, and Zimbabwe. The company focuses on producing biofuels, renewable electricity, and sustainable agricultural solutions by converting locally grown feedstocks such as sugarcane and cassava into clean energy. Sunbird’s model emphasizes carbon reduction, circular economy principles, and rural development through job creation and local participation. Its entry into Ethiopia represents a major step in expanding Africa’s bioenergy capacity and fostering technology transfer and investment partnerships across the continent.
Through this strategic MoU, EMC and Sunbird Bio-Energy Africa will collaborate to establish Ethiopia’s first large-scale biofuel development initiative. The project aims to enhance the nation’s energy security, promote environmental sustainability, and create green jobs, contributing significantly to Ethiopia’s national energy diversification and industrial transformation goals.
This alliance stands as a symbol of innovation, partnership, and shared purpose reflecting Ethiopia’s determination to lead Africa’s renewable energy revolution while building a sustainable and inclusive green economy.
