RicherFin · Sovereign Projects

Genale Dawa 5 — Ethiopia

Ethiopia · Genale Dawa basin · regional attribution differs across official sources · Energy

Overview

Genale Dawa 5 is a 100 MW hydropower project in Ethiopia's portfolio of generation projects open to private investment. It comprises two 50 MW units, a roller-compacted-concrete dam, a hydraulic tunnel and a surface powerhouse. The indicative cost published by the Ministry of Finance PPP Directorate is US$387 million.

The project is intended for PPP/IPP development. The 2021 government PPP portfolio proposed a 30-year BOT/DBFOM structure awarded through competitive tender. More recent Ministry of Water and Energy documents continue to list Genale Dawa 5 as a 100 MW hydropower project open to private investment.

Technical preparation remains decisive. In June 2024, the African Development Bank published an expression of interest for a Genale Dawa 5 feasibility study, including review of existing studies and further investigations to meet national requirements and international-financier standards.

Key project information

Official name
Genale Dawa 5 Hydropower Project
Status
Open to private investment
Current phase
Preparation / studies for PPP-IPP development
Country
Ethiopia
Location
Genale Dawa basin · regional attribution differs across official sources
Sector
Energy
Sub-sector
Hydropower
Project structure
PPP/IPP · BOT/DBFOM proposed in 2020/21 portfolio
Proposed partnership term
30 years
Planned procurement
Competitive tender
RicherFin project ID
0299b977-20db-4720-9eb0-60eaafe1b841
Published indicative cost
US$387 million
Planned installed capacity
100 MW
Financing sought
Not published
Secured financing
Not published
Expected commissioning
Not published in recent verified sources

Financing

The indicative US$387 million cost comes from Ethiopia's Ministry of Finance PPP portfolio and also appeared in the African Development Bank-supported renewable-energy programme.

The institutional sources reviewed do not publish confirmed debt, equity, concessional financing or construction financing specifically secured for Genale Dawa 5. In 2026, it remained identified as a PPP/IPP generation project open to private investment.

Indicative total cost
US$387 million
Proposed structure
PPP/IPP
Published contractual model
BOT/DBFOM
Proposed term
30 years
Secured financing
Not published