Ethiopia Marks Historic Milestone with Inauguration of Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam
Mekelle, Tel Aviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London (Horn News Hub) – Ethiopia has officially inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a project that has come to symbolize the country’s aspirations, resilience, and commitment to development. The inauguration, held on Monday in Addis Ababa and celebrated across major Ethiopian cities, marks a historic chapter in Africa’s infrastructure and energy landscape.
“GERD is not only for Ethiopians; it is for Africa and for all Black people,” Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) declared during the ceremony. “GERD rectifies yesterday’s grievances and paves the way for tomorrow’s dawn.”
Nationwide Celebrations
The inauguration sparked nationwide celebrations. In Addis Ababa, streets came alive with a vibrant electric car parade stretching from Bole through Arat Kilo and culminating at the Adwa Museum in Piassa. Cities including Bahidar and Harar joined the national festivities with street shows and public gatherings, underscoring the symbolic significance of the dam as a source of national pride and unity.
Regional and Global Leaders in Attendance
The inauguration was attended by a distinguished roster of regional and global leaders, reflecting GERD’s growing geopolitical significance:
H.E. Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, President of Djibouti
H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of South Sudan
H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (PhD), President of Somalia
H.E. William Samoei Ruto (PhD), President of Kenya
H.E. Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados
H.E. Russell Mmiso Dlamini, Prime Minister of Eswatini
H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission
H.E. Claver Gatete, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of UNECA
Several leaders, including Presidents Ruto and Salva Kiir, indicated that their countries were actively pursuing power purchase agreements with Ethiopia, signaling the dam’s potential as a regional energy hub.
A Project Built on Unity and Public Participation
Launched in March 2011, the GERD has been financed largely through public participation, including bond purchases, donations, and contributions from Ethiopians at home and abroad. The total investment of 233 billion birr reflects the nation’s commitment to harnessing its natural resources for development.
Located in the Guba district of the Benishangul-Gumuz region, the dam rises 145 meters high, stretches 1.8 kilometers, and has a reservoir capable of storing 74 trillion liters of water. With a generating capacity of 5,150 megawatts, GERD is expected to transform Ethiopia’s energy landscape, drive industrialization, and foster regional cooperation.
Beyond a Dam: A Symbol of Generational Aspiration
For many Ethiopians, the completion of GERD is more than an engineering achievement it is the realization of a dream nurtured across generations. The project stands as a testament to what can be achieved through unity, perseverance, and shared vision, offering hope for sustainable development and economic empowerment.
As Africa’s largest hydroelectric project, GERD is poised to redefine regional energy dynamics, strengthen ties among neighboring nations, and showcase Ethiopia’s capacity to lead transformative development initiatives on the continent.
