GERD Boosts Ethiopia’s Regional Significance, Promote Integration: Panelists

Addis Ababa, September 13, 2025 (ENA) – The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) would boost the regional and international significance of Ethiopia's standing while facilitating integration in the region through clean energy.

Noted experts on political science and international relations, namely, Associate Professor Yakob Arsano of Addis Ababa University,  Ambassador Dina Mufti, member of the Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs Standing Committee of the House of peoples Representatives, Aklilu Fikreselassie, World Resource Institute Country Representative and Aregawi Berhe, Director General for the Office of the  Council for the Coordination of GERD held panel discussion on GERD.

Associate Professor Yakob Arsano pointed out that Ethiopia is utilizing only 7 percent of its river waters while the majority flows to neighboring countries.

 

The completion of GERD marks a pivotal moment for Ethiopia, showcasing its capability to undertake and complete large-scale development projects, he added.

He asserted that the dam would leverage Ethiopia's standing, drawing expertise gained through the construction of GERD to undertake and complete future mega development projects successfully.

Ambassador Dina Mufti stated that GERD would foster Ethiopia’s regional and international significance as well as promote a good image in the international arena, as boosting the economy has immense diplomatic implications for the country.

Withstanding many ups and downs, significant milestones have been made in the dam's construction, he said, attributing the success to commitment to government leadership, public participation, and diplomatic efforts.

 

Ambassador Dina added that the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance dispels longstanding misconceptions about the Nile River.

Foreign currency will be generated by exporting the electricity that is produced from the dam to neighboring countries, Ambassador Dina noted.

Aklilu Fikreselassie described the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as a transformative step in "decolonizing" the Abay River.

He highlighted the dam's critical role in providing affordable clean energy, fostering regional integration, and promoting climate-resilient, sustainable development.

 

Aklilu noted that GERD is pivotal for Ethiopia in fulfilling its international climate commitments, including its Nationally Determined Contributions and Sustainable Development Goals.

The dam would bolster regional stability by facilitating the integration of clean energy, he noted, emphasizing its potential for high decarbonization, promotion of urban development, stimulation of tourism, and reduction of deforestation as it can encourage a shift towards clean energy sources, particularly electricity.

Aregawi Berhe emphasized the active participation and support of its citizens to complete the dam, alongside the mature leadership of the government.

 

He described GERD as the collective blood, labor, and dedication of the people, showcasing Ethiopia's capability to execute major projects independently.

Ethiopia will continue pursuing its dream of prosperity, leveraged by GERD as a foundation for development, he noted.

Aregawi underlined the importance of continuing this momentum by initiating similar mega projects.

He urged the Ethiopian populace to remain united and actively engage in future development endeavors, asserting that no barriers are preventing Ethiopia from achieving growth and prosperity similar to that of developed nations.