Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile River, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s development. The dam, which began construction in 2011, is now fully operational and is scheduled for official inauguration in September 2025.
The GERD is Africa’s largest hydroelectric project, with an installed capacity of 5,150 megawatts, more than doubling Ethiopia’s previous electricity output. This substantial increase is expected to alleviate the country’s energy shortages and position Ethiopia as a net energy exporter.
Prime Minister Abiy emphasized that the dam is a symbol of regional cooperation and mutual benefit. He extended an open invitation to the governments and peoples of Egypt, Sudan, and all Nile Basin nations to join Ethiopia in celebrating this historic milestone. Abiy stated, “We believe in shared progress, shared energy, and shared water. Prosperity for one should mean prosperity for all.”
Despite Ethiopia’s assurances, Egypt has expressed concerns over the dam’s impact on its water security. Egypt relies almost entirely on the Nile River for its water needs and fears that the GERD could threaten its water supply. The Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation criticized Ethiopia for completing the dam without a legally binding agreement on water usage, reflecting “an Ethiopian approach driven by an ideology that seeks to impose water hegemony.”
In response, Ethiopia has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that its growth does not come at the expense of its neighbors. The Ethiopian government has emphasized that the dam is a shared opportunity and has invited Egypt and Sudan to participate in the inauguration ceremony.
The completion of the GERD represents a significant achievement for Ethiopia, aligning with its goals of economic development and regional cooperation. As the official inauguration approaches, the international community continues to monitor the situation, hoping for a peaceful resolution that benefits all parties involved.
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