Regulating the Nexus: Ethiopia’s Policy and Legal Frameworks on Renewable Energy Development and Land Tenure Rights

Context and Background Ethiopia has emerged as a regional leader in clean energy development, guided by key national frameworks such as the Macroeconomic Reform Policy, the Ten-Year Development Plan, and the Climate-Resilient Green Economy Strategy (CRGE). These initiatives emphasize the expansion of renewable energy sources—including hydropower, solar, wind, and geothermal—and the transition to electric mobility. While these ambitions align with the country's goals for sustainable development and climate resilience, they also expose significant legal and policy challenges. In particular, the implementation of large-scale energy infrastructure projects has revealed tensions at the intersection of energy development and land tenure, especially in regions governed by customary land systems. Goal and Objectives This study investigates the legal and policy dimensions of Ethiopia’s renewable energy transition. It aims to assess the extent to which existing legal frameworks support equitable land governance in the context of renewable energy expansion. Specific objectives include evaluating the recognition of customary land tenure, the fairness of expropriation and compensation procedures, the effectiveness of community consultation processes, and the regulatory preparedness for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives. Methodology The study applies a qualitative approach that integrates doctrinal legal analysis, policy review, and thematic content analysis. Primary sources include national legislation, energy and land policy documents, and stakeholder perspectives obtained from relevant actors. This multi-pronged methodology enables a critical assessment of both normative frameworks and their practical implications. Results Findings reveal critical legal and institutional gaps. These include weak recognition of customary tenure, inconsistencies in expropriation and compensation practices, limited community participation, and insufficient regulatory safeguards for private-sector-led projects. Although foundational laws exist, such as the FDRE Constitution and Proclamation No. 1161/2019, the overall legal framework remains fragmented. The study recommends legal reforms to strengthen land tenure protections, ensure procedural fairness, and enhance institutional accountability for a just energy transition.