The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a monumental symbol of Ethiopian self-reliance and progress, is on the cusp of its official inauguration, with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announcing to the House of People’s Representatives that the ribbon-cutting ceremony is just months away, slated for September. This highly anticipated event will not only mark the completion of Africa’s largest hydroelectric power plant but also serve as a definitive response to years of unwarranted noise and baseless accusations, particularly from Egypt.
For years, the construction of the GERD has been met with a relentless campaign of misinformation and diplomatic pressure, largely orchestrated by Egypt. From attempting to block Ethiopia’s access to international financing to propagating false narratives about the dam’s structural integrity, the efforts to undermine the project have been extensive. Egyptian media, in particular, engaged in a widespread fear-mongering campaign, predicting the dam’s collapse and catastrophic consequences for downstream nations.
However, these efforts have been met with unwavering resolve and a united front from Ethiopians at all levels. Through tireless diplomatic work and a commitment to truth, Ethiopia successfully countered these baseless accusations. Most notably, the nation defied predictions of financial hardship by largely self-financing the multi-billion-dollar project, demonstrating an extraordinary national unity and determination. This self-reliance not only ensured the dam’s completion but also underscored Ethiopia’s sovereign right to utilize its natural resources for development.
In his recent address, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphatically dismissed lingering concerns about the dam’s impact on downstream nations, reiterating Ethiopia’s commitment to equitable water use and regional cooperation. The completion of the high-quality dam stands as a testament to Ethiopian engineering prowess and a resounding defeat of the negative campaigns waged against it.
The Prime Minister emphatically stated that the GERD poses no threat to downstream countries, asserting that Egypt’s Aswan Dam “has not lost a single liter of water” due to the Ethiopian mega-project.
“The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is now complete, and we are preparing for its official inauguration,” Prime Minister Abiy declared, adding that there are some who wish to disrupt the inauguration, but “we will inaugurate it regardless.”
In a direct message to Egypt and Sudan, the Prime Minister characterized the GERD as a “blessing” and a “shared opportunity” for the region, rather than a source of harm. “My message to the downstream countries is that the Renaissance Dam is a blessing for Sudan and for Egypt. It will absolutely not bring any harm to you,” he stated. He further emphasized that development within Ethiopia contributes to the development of these nations, and the energy generated by the GERD will benefit the entire region.
Prime Minister Abiy drew a parallel to the Gibe III dam, which faced similar concerns about its impact on Lake Turkana, only to see the lake levels rise after its completion. He reiterated that the Aswan Dam has experienced no reduction in water levels since the GERD’s construction.
“As long as Ethiopia continues to develop and exist, we will collaborate with our Egyptian brothers. We have no ill intention; we don’t want Egypt and Sudan to be harmed,” the Prime Minister affirmed, stressing Ethiopia’s commitment to shared progress in energy, water, and development.
He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to constructive dialogue with downstream nations, emphasizing, “If dialogue is needed, we are ready to engage; there is no issue.” He also underscored Ethiopia’s longstanding stance: “Do not tell us ‘don’t build’ or ‘stop the work being carried out on our land with our own resources.’ As long as our activities are not obstructed, Ethiopia remains open to discussion, negotiation, and cooperation with Egypt. We have no objections to working together.”
Prime Minister Abiy extended an open invitation to the governments and peoples of Egypt, Sudan, and all Nile Basin nations to participate in the GERD’s inauguration in September, when the rainy season subsides. “This is our common wealth; we will inaugurate it together, we will see it together, and if there are issues to be seen, we will see them together,” he proposed.
Addressing concerns about drought, the Prime Minister clarified that drought primarily affects Ethiopia, the source of the water. He underscored Ethiopia’s Green Legacy initiative, which aims to prevent drought in Ethiopia, thereby ensuring water for all downstream nations. “If we get rain, we, Egypt, Sudan, and others will all benefit. I urge you to look at it with good intentions and work together for development,” he concluded.
Also, during responding to questions from Members of Parliament in the House of Peoples’ Representatives Prime Minister Abiy announced that Ethiopia’s energy exports have surged by an impressive 136 percent this year.
During his address, the Prime Minister highlighted the significant growth in energy provision for domestic consumption. However, he acknowledged the persistent power outages in various parts of the country, including Addis Ababa, and affirmed ongoing efforts to resolve this issue.
“We need to fix power transmission lines,” the Prime Minister stated, adding that upon completion of GERD and other projects, over 10 billion USD will be allocated to the energy sector to tackle these challenges.
It is recalled that recently Moges Mekonnen, Director of Corporate Communications at Ethiopian Electric Power, confirmed that the power supply agreement between Ethiopia and Kenya was signed several months ago.
He stated that Ethiopia has already constructed a transmission line with a capacity to carry up to 200,000 megawatts.
Currently, 200 megawatts are being transmitted through the line, and Ato Moges noted that the line can carry additional power without further construction. He clarified that while testing is underway, official electricity sales have not yet commenced.
Moges emphasized that this power development collaboration demonstrates Ethiopia’s leadership in renewable energy development, serving as a model for other nations.
He also highlighted Ethiopia’s commitment to sharing its resources for mutual benefit with its neighbours, fostering regional development.
As September approaches, the eyes of the continent and the world will be on Ethiopia, witnessing the inauguration of a project that promises to bring light and development to millions. The GERD is not just a dam; it is a symbol of a nation’s indomitable spirit, its ability to overcome challenges, and its unwavering pursuit of a brighter future.
BY EYUEL KIFLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 5 JULY 2025
