Ejiro Efenudu
Ethiopia on Tuesday, officially inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the continent’s largest hydroelectric power plant, marking a historic milestone for the East African nation and Africa at large. The ceremony took place at the dam site in Guba, near Addis Ababa, during the second Africa Climate Summit, and was attended by several African leaders including Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Kenyan President William Ruto, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
A Dream Realized After 14 Years
The GERD, built at a cost of $5 billion, has taken 14 years to complete. It is designed to generate more than 5,000 megawatts of renewable power, making Ethiopia a significant player in Africa’s energy sector. Officials said the dam will supply an estimated 15,760 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity annually, enough to power tens of millions of homes, stimulate industrial growth, and strengthen cross-border electricity trade.
In his keynote address, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed hailed the inauguration as “a continental symbol of self-reliance, unity and clean energy.” He stressed that the project was not just an Ethiopian accomplishment but a victory for Africa. “It embodies Africa’s resolve for sustainable growth and a collective journey toward a just, inclusive, and climate-resilient future,” Ahmed said.
He further emphasized that Ethiopia intends to use the generated power to transform access to electricity at home while exporting surplus to neighboring countries. “This is a great achievement not only for Ethiopia but for all Africans,” Ahmed added.
Regional Leaders Applaud Ethiopia’s Effort
Kenyan President William Ruto described the project as “a beacon of hope for Africa’s green industrialization.” He noted that Ethiopia had demonstrated how African nations could independently fund and execute transformative projects without relying entirely on external support. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud echoed the sentiment, calling the GERD “a testament to Africa’s capacity to shape its future through collective vision and resilience.”
Balancing Progress with Tensions
Despite the jubilant atmosphere at the launch, the GERD has long been at the heart of diplomatic tensions between Ethiopia and Egypt. Cairo has raised concerns that the dam’s upstream location on a tributary of the Nile could reduce water flow, affecting agriculture and food security in Egypt, which depends on the Nile for nearly all of its water.
Ethiopia, however, insists that the dam will not harm downstream nations. Instead, officials argue it will create opportunities for regional cooperation in energy supply. Abiy Ahmed reassured attendees that “the dam represents development, not destruction. It is about powering our region, not depriving it.”
A Landmark for Africa’s Future
Experts say the GERD’s full operation marks a turning point for Ethiopia, where millions still lack access to reliable electricity. The project is expected to significantly boost economic growth, industrialization, and job creation. More broadly, it highlights Africa’s growing focus on renewable energy as a pathway to sustainable development.
As the turbines begin to operate at full capacity, Ethiopia’s grand dam stands as both an engineering feat and a symbol of Africa’s determination to harness its resources for the benefit of future generations.
