Hydropower Projects Like GERD Crucial for Regional Energy Security: COMESA SG

Addis Ababa, September 12, 2025 (ENA) -- The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and other hydropower projects in Ethiopia are vital for addressing the energy shortage in Eastern and Southern Africa, according to Chileshe Kapwepwe, Secretary General of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).

Ethiopia officially inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Africa’s largest hydropower project on September 9, 2025.  

The inauguration was a historic event, celebrated by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and other African leaders, who see the dam as a key step in Africa's green energy transition.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, Kapwepwe commended Ethiopia’s commitment to green energy and its efforts to fully harness its hydropower potential.

She stressed that the GERD represents not just a national project but a transformative regional investment in energy infrastructure that could significantly reduce the power shortages faced by neighboring countries.

Furthermore, she emphasized that such initiatives are essential for fostering regional cooperation and enhancing collective energy security.

 

Kapwepwe explained that one of the greatest barriers to industrialization in the COMESA region is the persistent energy deficit, inadequate and unreliable power supplies, she noted, continue to hold back industrial growth and limit value addition.

Without consistent access to electricity, countries are unable to develop their industries or strengthen value chains, both of which are critical for economic transformation.

"One of the major things that is in deficit in the region is energy; and without adequate energy, you can't develop your own industries," she stated. "You can't talk about value addition; you can't talk about these other things of value chains that we want to do. The base is energy."

To overcome this challenge, the Secretary General underscored the importance of a coordinated approach among member states.

She pointed out that COMESA has already partnered with the World Bank to enhance electricity supply and expand access across the region, enabling countries to unlock their industrial potential.

"So we must support our member states," she elaborated. "For example, we do have a huge program that we just signed with the World Bank, which is trying to support us to have increased access to electricity, which is very low at present."

With a generating capacity exceeding 5,000 megawatts, the GERD is not only Africa’s largest hydropower project but also a cornerstone of Ethiopia's development strategy and a beacon of hope for regional energy integration.

The monumental dam,  generating over 5,000 megawatts and holding 74 billion cubic meters of water,  has had a significant social impact, creating a new town for the local community complete with modern amenities like a hospital, schools, and sports facilities.