Ethiopia Unveils Major Groundwater Mapping Project

On April 28, 2025, Addis Ababa hosted the launch of a five-year extensive initiative focused on groundwater resource assessment across Ethiopia. This project aims to identify and map these valuable resources nationwide. ENA reported this news on the same day.

The project aims to conduct an extensive examination and assessment of the nation's groundwater resources, including their accessibility, dispersion, and condition, which are essential components for achieving sustainable water management and effective resource allocation, as outlined by Minister of Water and Energy, Habtamu Ittefa.

As he stated, the initiative highlighted the significance of pinpointing and utilizing underground water reserves to foster national progress.

Hawassa University and Haramaya University in Ethiopia, along with Aarhus University from Denmark, have joined forces to undertake the mapping initiative.

The main goals of this initiative encompass analyzing ways to efficiently use and enhance these resources for backing upcoming ventures aimed at fostering sustainable water management and catering to the community’s water requirements.

Even though Ethiopia is known for its abundant and varied water supplies, it has become clear that these resources should be prudently managed for developmental purposes.

"Even though groundwater is consistently accessible, its quality necessitates extensive treatment. In certain areas, it remains unused due to the presence of fluoride, chloride, and other chemicals," stated Minister of Water and Energy, Habtamu Ittefa.

He pointed out that pinpointing these particular aquatic zones will act as a crucial asset and a fundamental base for the creation of upcoming national initiatives focused on managing and enhancing water resources.

The minister highlighted that transferring knowledge holds considerable significance for this initiative.

Habtamu likewise conveyed his appreciation for the backing provided by the Danish government via monetary assistance, supplying crucial materials, and offering manpower, all of which have played key roles in executing the project.

The Danish Ambassador to Ethiopia, Sune Krogstrup, noted on his part that In addition to providing financial assistance, he would concentrate mainly on encouraging the sharing of crucial data, advancing knowledge dissemination, and investigating multiple cooperative projects.

He mentioned that Denmark has initiatives across all parts of Ethiopia in the realm of water resources.

The ambassador stated that prioritizing cooperative initiatives with Ethiopian universities to boost current research activities concerning groundwater exploration would be his focus.