Ethiopia has inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Africa’s largest hydroelectric project, marking a watershed moment for Africa’s second most populous nation as it seeks energy independence and a bigger role as a regional power supplier.
- •The US$ 4.2 billion project was funded entirely from domestic sources-through the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia and via public bonds, donations, and voluntary contributions.
- •With its inauguration, Ethiopia has turned a long-held dream into a concrete reality, one that could redefine both its own development trajectory and the geopolitics of the Nile Basin.
- •The financing model, rare for infrastructure of this scale, deepened its identity as a “people project.”
“This project is a testament to our determination to harness Ethiopia’s resources for the benefit of our citizens and the region,” Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said.
The dam’s unique funding model is tied to the controversies of the Nile Basin, as Egypt has opposed, lobbied against, and threatened the upstream project from inception. Two turbines are now operational, producing 750 MW, with full capacity expected to exceed 5,000 MW- more than doubling Ethiopia’s current power output.
“For centuries, our people have dreamed of harnessing the power of the Abbay to fuel national development. Despite international skepticism, financial constraints, and downstream pressures, Ethiopia has persevered. This is our collective pride,” Former irrigation minister and chief negotiator Sileshi Bekele.
Regional leaders view the dam as a potential game-changer. Ethiopia hopes to use surplus electricity to power homes, industries, and cross-border exports, positioning itself as East Africa’s energy hub. Kenya, Sudan, and Djibouti are seen as likely early beneficiaries.