GERD Nears Commissioning: Ethiopia’s Mega Dam Set to Power Development and Redefine Regional Cooperation

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By irene 




The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Africa’s largest hydroelectric power project, is edging closer to completion and is poised to transform Ethiopia’s economy while fostering regional integration across East Africa.

According to Mr. Abenezer Hakim, a diplomat at the Ethiopian Embassy in Kenya, the multi-billion-dollar project is more than a power plant—it is a symbol of Ethiopia’s resolve to fight poverty, expand energy access, and build stronger ties with neighboring countries.

With over 120 million people, Ethiopia faces a severe energy deficit, as nearly two-thirds of its population lack reliable electricity. Once fully operational, GERD is expected to generate more than 5,000 megawatts of clean energy—enough to power domestic growth and create a surplus for export.

“The ripple effects will be profound. Reliable and affordable power will empower rural communities, boost agricultural productivity, and lift millions out of poverty,” Hakim remarked.

The GERD is already shaping up to be a regional project. Ethiopia exports electricity to Kenya, Sudan, and Djibouti, with plans to extend supply to Tanzania and South Sudan through the Ethiopia-Kenya transmission line. Analysts note that such power trade could stabilize regional grids, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and accelerate sustainable growth.

Yet, the project has been contentious. Egypt and Sudan, citing colonial-era treaties, have raised concerns about water rights. Ethiopia, which contributes more than 85 percent of the Nile’s flow, argues these treaties are outdated and inequitable.

“These accords were designed without upstream nations like Ethiopia in mind. In today’s context, they do not reflect the principles of fairness or equitable resource sharing,” Hakim said.

Experts believe the dam could ultimately help downstream countries by regulating seasonal floods and ensuring steadier water flows for agriculture. Ethiopia has maintained it is committed to dialogue under the Nile Basin Commission, urging Egypt and Sudan to embrace cooperation instead of conflict.

“The dam should not be a source of division. It can be a platform for collaboration that benefits all riparian countries,” Hakim emphasized.

The GERD is expected to be fully commissioned in September 2025, a milestone that could redefine how Nile Basin nations manage their shared waters. For Ethiopia, it stands as both a sovereign right and a continental achievement.

As Hakim summed it up: “This is not just an Ethiopian achievement. It is a Pan-African project with the potential to power development, deepen integration, and promote shared prosperity.”





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