Ethiopia has announced the completion of its massive Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile, a project that has been a source of tension with neighboring Egypt and Sudan. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed made the announcement, highlighting the dam’s significance not just for Ethiopia, but also for the region.
The construction of the dam began in 2011, with a budget of $4 billion. It is now the largest hydroelectric power plant in Africa. For Ethiopians, the dam represents a crucial step toward meeting their energy needs, as approximately 60% of the population currently lacks access to electricity.
However, Egypt and Sudan have expressed serious concerns about the dam. They rely heavily on the Nile for their water supply and fear that the dam could disrupt the flow of water. Egypt, in particular, has warned that even a small reduction in water could lead to significant agricultural losses.
In a bid to ease tensions, Prime Minister Abiy stated that the dam should be seen as an opportunity for shared growth rather than a threat. He extended an invitation to Egypt and Sudan for the official inauguration of the dam scheduled for September, emphasizing the importance of cooperation over conflict.
The dam stands over a mile long and 145 meters high, located in the northern Ethiopian highlands, where 85% of the Nile’s waters originate. Ethiopia aims to generate electricity from the dam to power its economy and improve the lives of its citizens.
Despite the optimistic rhetoric, the situation remains delicate. Recent meetings between Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Sudan’s military chief highlighted their shared concerns about unilateral actions regarding the Blue Nile. Previous negotiations have failed to resolve these issues, leaving the future of the dam and its impact on the region uncertain.
Ethiopia’s completion of the dam marks a significant milestone, but it also raises questions about water security and regional relations in the Nile Basin. The coming months will be critical as Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan navigate their complex relationship in light of this new development.