Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam Inaugurated: Ethiopia Showcases Ambition and Regional Leadership
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed has officially inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a landmark project symbolizing Ethiopia’s potential and a milestone for African unity. Leaders from across Africa and the Caribbean joined the celebration, underscoring the project’s regional significance.
Among the distinguished guests were Djibouti’s President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Kenya’s President William Ruto, Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Eswatini’s Prime Minister Mswati Dlamini, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Yusuf, and UN Under-Secretary-General Claver Gatete.
Africa’s Power to Shape Its Future
Kenyan President William Ruto hailed the GERD as proof that Africa can harness its resources to drive development. “The Renaissance Dam shows that Africa has the power to determine its own destiny,” he said, highlighting Kenya’s plans to expand electricity imports from Ethiopia to boost manufacturing, agro-processing, and ICT sectors. Ruto also emphasized support for equitable use of the Nile waters and urged Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt to resume negotiations in good faith.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud described the event as “a historic day for the entire Horn of Africa,” stressing the importance of regional cooperation for shared prosperity. South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir echoed the sentiment, calling the GERD “a symbol of sacrifice, unity, and determination” and expressed his country’s intention to secure electricity from the dam.
A Project Built by Ethiopians for Ethiopians
The GERD, Ethiopia’s largest hydroelectric project, was constructed entirely without foreign loans or aid, exemplifying African self-reliance. Former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn highlighted the national consensus behind the project: “Despite differences on other national agendas, Ethiopians came together to achieve this historic milestone, benefiting both our country and our neighbors.”
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed underscored the dam’s scale and regional significance: “The Renaissance Dam holds 74 trillion liters of water. If the value of just one liter were increased by 25 cents, it would surpass Ethiopia’s current GDP. This project is not meant to harm our neighbors but to bring prosperity and light to the region.”
Honoring Contributors
During the inauguration, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed awarded the Order of Honor to key contributors to the GERD’s construction, including engineers and project managers who led the effort from its inception through to completion.
Looking to the Future: Ethiopia’s Ambitious Mega Projects
Prime Minister Abiy announced Ethiopia’s plans for a new era of development:
- Construction of a nuclear power plant for peaceful purposes.
- Launch of two gas plants, including one ten times larger than the first.
- Development of the largest airport in Africa.
- Establishment of a fertilizer factory.
- Nationwide development of 1.5 million housing units.
The total investment for these projects is estimated at over $30 billion, reflecting Ethiopia’s commitment to economic transformation.
Global Recognition
The GERD has also drawn international recognition. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulated Ethiopia for its achievement, while Pietro Salini, CEO of the Italian construction firm Salini WeBuild, described the dam as “the safest project in the world” and praised the resilience and dedication of the Ethiopian workforce.
A Historic Day for Ethiopia and Africa
Prime Minister Abiy concluded: “The era of Ethiopia’s revival has begun. We are a people determined to preserve an immortal name and achieve what generations before us could only dream of. Let all black peoples work together to realize this Renaissance.”
The inauguration of the GERD is more than a national achievement; it is a beacon of African ambition, self-reliance, and cooperation, signaling a new chapter in the continent’s energy and economic future.