The UK is supporting the acceleration of the off-grid solar market in Ethiopia.

The two nations have signed an ‘Energy Compact’ to help create business opportunities, more jobs and improve access to electricity for poor people in the East African nation.

The UK’s Energy Africa campaign, which was launched in October 2015, focuses on developing the household solar market as one of the cheapest and most effective ways of accelerating universal access in Africa.

With the latest agreement, the UK will help the Government of Ethiopia achieve its ambitious energy access targets by developing partnerships with the private sector.

It will also provide support to build delivery capacity within the government and support businesses that wish to work in and expand the off-grid solar market.

Susanna Moorehead, British Ambassador to Ethiopia said: “This partnership will bring together British companies, British technology and Ethiopian demand to support innovative ways of supplying clean energy to poor people in rural areas.”