The Ethiopia-Kenya Electricity Highway is a major milestone in East Africa’s energy infrastructure, connecting the two countries with a 650-mile transmission line. Completed in 2023 after a decade of work and a $1.2 billion investment, the highway allows electricity to be shared across borders, improving the reliability and security of energy supply. This collaboration enables Kenya to import 200 megawatts of power daily from Ethiopia, which helps balance supply and demand in both countries, especially as their electricity consumption grows.

The project also contributes to the broader vision of creating a unified African electricity market, as part of the Eastern African Power Pool’s effort to link 13 countries. The initiative is expected to reduce blackouts and lower electricity costs across the region, fostering better resource use and a more reliable power grid. However, experts emphasize the importance of strengthening local utilities to ensure the effective distribution of electricity.