GERD Tangible Example of Pan-African Cooperation: Ethio-American Investment Advisor

Addis Ababa, September 23, 2025 (ENA) -- The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) serves as a tangible example of Pan-African cooperation, showcasing how infrastructure projects can transcend political borders to deliver shared economic benefits, Zemedeneh Nigatu, CBE Capital Investment Bank CEO and a seasoned Ethiopian-American investment advisor said.

In an exclusive interview with the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), Zemedeneh noted that the GERD has a profound significance for Ethiopia and the wider African continent, extending far beyond its role as a power generation project.

The GERD, Africa's largest dam and one of the world's ten biggest, stands as a testament to Ethiopia's collective will and its ability to achieve monumental feats, he added.

The dam, financed entirely by the Ethiopian government and its people, is a rare occurrence for a project of such scale and complexity in a developing nation.

This accomplishment, according to Zemedeneh, serves as a powerful symbol of national pride and a clear refutation of the idea that such development must be dependent on foreign assistance.

The CEO further noted that the completion of the GERD has doubled Ethiopia's installed power base, cementing its position as the continent's second-largest electricity producer after South Africa.

 

This vast increase in power generation is expected to fuel a significant economic transformation, particularly in the manufacturing sector.

Zemedeneh highlighted that Ethiopia already had one of the lowest electricity costs globally, and the new capacity will ensure both increased availability and continued affordability, making the country an extremely attractive destination for both domestic and multinational companies looking to set up manufacturing operations. 

A major hurdle for manufacturing across Africa has been a lack of reliable and affordable electricity, a problem that the GERD addresses directly, giving Ethiopia a key competitive advantage, he elaborated.

Beyond its domestic impact, the dam is a key catalyst for African economic integration, Zemedeneh said.

Ethiopia has already begun exporting electricity to neighboring countries like Djibouti, Sudan, and Kenya, and is exploring a connection to Tanzania.

In the long term, Ethiopia might even export electricity to Egypt, which would further foster regional unity and collaboration,  the Ethiopian-American investment advisor stated.

For him, GERD serves as a tangible example of Pan-African cooperation, showcasing how infrastructure projects can transcend political borders to deliver shared economic benefits.