The International Solar Alliance (ISA) has deepened its partnership with Ethiopia through the establishment of the country’s first Solar Technology Application Resource Centre (STAR-C), hosted at Addis Ababa University.
The initiative, which is embedded in Ethiopia’s Country Partnership Framework (CPF), is designed to strengthen solar innovation, skills development, and research, while accelerating the country’s clean energy transition.
High-Level Engagement
ISA Director General Ashish Khanna met with Dr. Samuel Kifle Kidane, President of Addis Ababa University, alongside representatives from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, private sector stakeholders, and ISA’s knowledge and capacity-building team. The discussions aligned on a shared vision for STAR-C Ethiopia as a catalyst for sustainable solar growth.
Key Priorities
During the meeting, stakeholders highlighted several focus areas for STAR-C:
-
Technology testing and certification
-
Entrepreneurship, innovation, and incubation partnerships
-
International academic collaborations and Training of Trainers (ToT)
-
Digitalisation and long-term sustainability of solar initiatives
Dr. Kidane reaffirmed the university’s strong support for the project, stressing the value of collaboration between academia, industry, and international partners in building a robust clean energy ecosystem.
A Regional Solar Hub
STAR-C Ethiopia is expected to become a regional hub for solar innovation, not only supporting Ethiopia’s national technology strategy but also aligning with ISA’s global mission. By fostering capacity building, advancing innovation, and promoting sustainable energy solutions, the centre will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of solar energy across the Horn of Africa and beyond.
