On 16 August 2011, Mitsubishi Corporation conducted a signing ceremony of the MOU for the “Provision of Solar Systems for Rural Capacity Building Project”. The Project is supported under the scheme of International Contribution Programs which will be implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Mitsubishi Corporation has been operating in Ethiopia for over 50 years, engaged in several business activities including import and export of various commodities, execution of grant projects financed by the Japanese Government, and investment in the market.

Mitsubishi Corporation has been operating with three corporate principles since its foundation. One of these principles is “Corporate Responsibility to Society” which guides the company to strive to enrich society, both materially and spiritually while contributing towards the preservation of the global environment and development.

Given its adherence to such a corporate principle, Mitsubishi Corporation has decided to donate solar electric systems, TVs, DVD players, computers and printers to the Farmers Training Centers and solar powered refrigerators to the Health Posts in two selected ‘Kebeles” in the Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples’ Region State. Following the request from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Mitsubishi Corporation made similar contributions in 2009 and 2010 in two “Kebeles” in the Oromia and Amhara Regional States. Despite the catastrophe which occurred in Japan in March this year, Mitsubishi Corporation is strongly committed to contribute to the development of Ethiopia.

The solar power systems are designed to have the capacity to supply power for computers, printers, TV, DVD players and electric lamps at the Farmers Training Center in the said two Kebeles. These solar power systems will enable the farmers to receive training with audio visual materials. It is believed that the training will help the farmers to adopt modern farming practices more easily. The solar refrigerators that will be supplied to the Health Posts are expected to be utilized to store medicines for vaccinations and treatment.

Mitsubishi Corporation understands that the goal of the project by the Ministry of Agriculture is to create an advanced agricultural system using modern technology to increase productivity and reduce poverty in Ethiopia. It is hoped that this project will be successfully implemented to meet its goal and support in ensuring sustainable development in Ethiopia. It is also the hope that this project will be acknowledged as a symbol of the good and fruitful relationship between the peoples of Ethiopia and Japan.