Younis: Egypt puts its power expertise at disposal of African countries
Egypt-Regional, Economics, 2/25/2005

Egypt puts its expertise in the electricity and energy domains at the disposal of African countries, especially in the Nile Basin and Ethiopia, Minister of Electricity Hassan Younis, currently visiting Ethiopia, said on Thursday.

Addressing a ceremony marking the launching of an electric power linkage project involving east African states, Younis said Egypt puts all its expertise in this domain in the service of African countries.

Egypt wishes to share its hydroelectric power-generating expertise with African nations, Younis said yesterday, after signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for cooperation with nine East African countries.

The MOU, which approves the launching of an 'electricity group' comprising Egypt, Burundi, Ethiopia, Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, the Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda, also calls on the signatory countries to exchange information and expertise in the areas of power generation, implementing hydroelectric power projects and conducting feasibility studies for new schemes, Minister Younis said after the signing ceremony.

The group also aims to improve health and safety conditions for staff working at power plants in the nine countries, as well as to lure private investors to launch joint electric projects, he added.

The grouping includes a ministerial council, which comprises the electricity and energy ministers' of the nine countries, he said, explaining that the council will be responsible for drawing up electricity policies and approving power upgrading plans in the East African region.

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