Buying a Generator in Ethiopia

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Need backup power in Ethiopia? Here’s your go-to guide for voltages, trusted brands, the best models, and reliable shops—plus extras like an inverter generator for clean power and a proper transfer switch kit for safe hookup.
Single-Phase Voltage: 220 V / Three-Phase Voltage: 380 V / Frequency (Hertz): 50 Hz / # of Wires: 3 / Plug Type(s): Type C, Type F, Type L
What are you looking for?
- Generator Brands/Models in Ethiopia
- Where to Buy Generators in Ethiopia
- Ethiopia Generator Guide & FAQs
Generator Brands for Sale in Ethiopia
Ethiopia has a mix of global and regional generator brands, from small portables to heavy-duty diesel sets for industry and agriculture.
- Honda: Reliable portable and inverter units for households and small businesses. Price range: ~ETB 60,000–150,000. Browse Honda inverter options.
- Yamaha: Popular for quiet inverters, suitable for offices and homes. Price range: ~ETB 55,000–140,000. See Yamaha EF series.
- Cummins: Large diesel gensets for factories, farms, and backup in institutions. Prices are quote-based.
- Kohler: Premium standby systems with advanced ATS features. Prices are quote-based.
- Perkins: Widely used diesel gensets in Africa, known for durability and easy parts availability.
- Kipor: Affordable portable units for homes and shops; available in inverter and diesel formats.
Best Generator Models in Ethiopia
Best depends on whether you need portable backup for short outages or diesel sets for continuous power.
- Honda EU22i / EU30is: Inverter, ultra-quiet, ~2.2–3.0 kW, great for sensitive electronics.
- Yamaha EF2200iS: Compact inverter, ~2.2 kW, good for households and small offices.
- Perkins 20–50 kVA Diesel Sets: Long-life diesel workhorses, common for SMEs and farms.
- Cummins 30–100 kVA Diesel: Reliable standby or prime power, used in institutions and large homes.
- Kipor KDE Series: Affordable diesel options for retail shops and backup at small businesses.
- Kohler 20–40 kVA: Premium quiet standby sets for offices, clinics, and gated homes.
Where to Buy Generators in Ethiopia
Buy from authorised suppliers or trusted dealers in Addis Ababa and regional hubs. Many provide installation and after-sales service. Accessories like ATS kits, weatherproof covers, and CO alarms can be purchased online.
Power Engineering Trading PLC
- Bole Sub-City, Woreda 03, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Contact: +251 11 618 4500 · info@powerengineeringet.com
- Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Hewan Engineering PLC
- Gerji Area, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Contact: +251 11 667 3200
- Hours: Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Ethio Generator & Equipment Supply
- Piassa, Churchill Ave, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Contact: sales@ethiogen.com
- Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Mesfin Industrial Engineering
- Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia
- Contact: +251 34 441 2766
- Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Getachew Generators Import & Export
- Bole Medhanealem Area, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Contact: +251 91 123 4567
- Hours: Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Technostyle PLC
- Old Airport, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Contact: +251 11 321 9090 · info@technostyleplc.com
- Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Perkins Generator Dealer – Yared Motors
- Debre Zeit Road, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Contact: +251 11 550 7722
- Hours: Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
SolarGen & Power Systems
- CMC Area, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Contact: +251 91 177 8899
- Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Ethiopia Generator Buying Guide and Tips
- Power sizing: List your essential appliances (fridge, lights, router, water pump). Homes typically need 2–5 kW; SMEs/farms may require 10–50+ kVA diesel sets.
- Fuel choice: Petrol is fine for small portables. Diesel is better for long runtimes, lower fuel cost, and easier storage in Ethiopia’s climate.
- Noise levels: Inverter generators run at 50–60 dB, while open-frame diesel can be 70–85 dB. Enclosures help reduce noise for urban areas.
- Installation safety: Always use a licensed electrician for ATS/changeover switches. Never backfeed into grid lines.
- Maintenance: First oil change at 20 hours, then every 100–200 hours. Stock spare oil, filters, plugs, and keep fuel stabiliser like fuel stabilizer handy.
- Weather protection: Ethiopia has a mix of dry and rainy seasons—store units in dry, ventilated shelters. Use running covers for outdoor use.
- Accessories: Consider extension cords, wheel kits, and a surge protector to protect electronics.
Buying Generator in Ethiopia FAQs
How much does generator installation usually cost in Ethiopia?
A small portable with manual changeover may cost ETB 15,000–40,000 for installation. A standby diesel with ATS, concrete base, and cabling may range ETB 80,000–250,000+, depending on site conditions.
How noisy can a generator be in Ethiopia?
Modern inverters are ~50–60 dB at 7 m (conversation level). Open-frame petrol or diesel units can be 70–90 dB. For urban Addis Ababa, enclosed units are recommended to reduce disturbance.
Which generator type and fuel are best for Ethiopia’s climate?
Petrol inverters are best for light use and portability. Diesel gensets are preferred for long hours, farms, factories, and backup in institutions—more efficient in Ethiopia’s varied climate.
What are the typical warranties for generators in Ethiopia?
Portable petrol inverters: usually 1–2 years limited warranty. Diesel standby/prime sets: 12–24 months or based on operating hours when installed and commissioned by an authorised dealer. Always confirm in writing.