Microsoft to cut 10,000 jobs as tech layoffs intensify

Microsoft to cut 10,000 jobs as tech layoffs intensify

Addis Ababa: UAE renewable energy company Masdar and Ethiopia have signed an agreement for the joint development of a solar project with a capacity of 500 megawatts, Ethiopia's prime minister said on Wednesday. The move could potentially allow Ethiopia to significantly expand its energy capacity and also diversify its energy mix, a key part of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's industrialisation drive. At present, Ethiopia has total installed power generating capacity of about 4,898 MW, with 91 per cent of it coming from hydroelectric power, based on data from state-run Ethiopian Electric Power. "Pleased to see the signing of a Joint development agreement (JDA) between the Government of Ethiopia and Masdar to develop two solar photovoltaic plants," Abiy said in a tweet, adding the two plants would have a combined generation capacity of 500 megawatts. Abiy did not give details on where the plants would be located, or their cost. Billene Seyoum, Abiy's spokesperson and Mamo Mihretu, CEO of state-run Ethiopia Investment Holdings, did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for more information. Masdar did not immediately respond to a Reuters message seeking comment. Ethiopia is eager to expand its energy capacity and last year began generating power from its giant