GERD Stands as Symbol of Cooperation, Shared Benefit for Africa

Addis Ababa, August 27, 2025 (ENA) – Water and Energy Minister of Ethiopia Habtamu Itefa remarked that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) ensures a regulated flow of water and reduces flood risks for downstream countries while promoting fairer and more sustainable transboundary water management.

The Minister has affirmed that the current Ethiopian generation has realized its long-cherished development aspirations through the successful completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

This milestone, he stressed, demonstrates the nation’s resilience, unity, and determination.

The minister explained that Ethiopia is preparing a special inauguration ceremony for the historic GERD project, which is expected to inspire not only Ethiopians but also the global community.

According to him, this achievement was made possible by the collective effort of all Ethiopians who stood together with unwavering commitment.

Recalling Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s earlier remarks, the minister noted that the GERD is “the result of a drop of blood, a drop of sweat, a drop of tears, and a drop of water.”

In this regard, he emphasized that the Prime Minister’s words underline how the dam embodies Ethiopia’s development journey, a journey marked by immense sacrifice and perseverance.

More importantly, he added, the GERD demonstrates Ethiopia’s ability to achieve multifaceted progress that extends far beyond power generation.

Furthermore, Habtamu underscored that the GERD is not merely a dam but a project born from Ethiopia’s long-standing determination to utilize its water resources effectively.

By completing the project, the current generation has fulfilled a centuries-old aspiration through resilience and collective struggle.

The minister also highlighted the regional and continental significance of the GERD. He explained that by ensuring a regulated flow of water, the dam reduces flood risks for downstream countries while promoting fairer and more sustainable transboundary water management.

Thus, the project stands as a symbol of cooperation and shared benefit for Africa as a whole.

In addition, he praised Ethiopians both at home and in the diaspora for writing a proud chapter in history.

Their financial, professional, and moral contributions, despite differences, enabled the realization of this national dream.

As a result, the GERD today is not only producing energy but also creating new opportunities. It is serving as a source of fish resources and an eco-tourism destination, thereby transforming Ethiopia’s waters into a blessing across multiple sectors.

Minister Habtamu concluded by paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives and to those who contributed selflessly. Their legacy, he said, will be remembered for generations to come.

Looking ahead, the electricity generated by the GERD has the potential to expand energy access both within Ethiopia and across the wider region, further consolidating the dam’s role as a cornerstone of national and regional development.