Ethiopia on Tuesday inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Africa’s largest hydroelectric project, in a landmark ceremony that drew cheering crowds, regional leaders, and pledges of cross-border cooperation.
The $5 billion mega-dam, located on a tributary of the Nile near the Sudanese border, is designed to generate more than 5,000 megawatts of electricity — doubling Ethiopia’s national power capacity. Officials say the dam will end frequent blackouts, power industrial growth, and accelerate the country’s transition to electric vehicles, after banning the import of gasoline-powered cars.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed hailed the project as a “big achievement,” declaring it a testament to African ingenuity and resilience. In Addis Ababa, citizens dressed in traditional regalia celebrated the launch, dancing and watching the ceremony on large public screens.
The inauguration was attended by dozens of African heads of state, several of whom expressed interest in purchasing power from Ethiopia. South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir announced his country would soon sign an agreement to import electricity, highlighting benefits for hospitals and schools. Kenyan President William Ruto, whose nation already imports Ethiopian power, called the project a “pan-African statement” that aligns with the African Union’s goal of continental energy integration.
However, the dam remains controversial. Egypt, which depends almost entirely on the Nile for water, has long opposed the project, fearing it could reduce downstream flows critical for agriculture and the country’s 100 million citizens.
Seeking to calm regional tensions, Abiy reassured neighboring countries that Ethiopia intends no harm. “The hunger of our brothers in Egypt, in Sudan, or anywhere else is also our hunger. We must share and grow together, for we have no intention of harming anyone,” he said.
The GERD’s completion marks one of the most ambitious infrastructure achievements in modern Africa and signals Ethiopia’s intent to position itself as a renewable energy hub for the continent.
Senior Reporter at AMN News Agency, known for his insightful journalism and in-depth coverage of current events.
