IGAD Media Awards Winners, Participants Visit GERD

Addis Ababa, December 1, 2025 (ENA) — Winners and participants of the 3rd Eastern Africa Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Media Awards visited the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) earlier today.

GERD has emerged as more than an engineering marvel; it is a powerful symbol of Africa’s ability to reshape its own narrative.

Ethiopia inaugurated Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam on the Blue Nile last September in the presence of leaders from IGAD member countries. 

GERD, which has a capacity of generating more than 5,000 megawatts of power, marks the beginning of a new era for the country, placing it at the heart of the continent’s green transition.

The winning and participating journalists of the 3rd IGAD Media Awards, which was held in Addis Ababa, have paid a visit to GERD earlier today.

The journalists and media professionals expressed admiration for the extraordinary commitment and determination of the Ethiopian people and government in bringing such a monumental project to life. Their reflections underscore GERD’s role as a beacon of resilience, self‑reliance, and continental pride.

Ayebare Cinderella, a multimedia reporter and storyteller from Uganda, praised Ethiopia’s bold decision to finance the dam through taxpayers’ contributions.

 

She noted that in many countries, citizens rarely see tangible results from their taxes, but Ethiopia has demonstrated transparency and vision by channeling public resources into a transformative national project. For her, GERD sets a precedent and offers valuable lessons for other African leaders.

Asha Hamisi, senior editor at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, emphasized the importance of Africans addressing their own challenges without external intervention.

 

She highlighted that GERD exemplifies the sacrifices citizens can make—trusting their governments, contributing additional taxes, and investing in the future. In her view, the dam proves that Africans can realize their dreams when they unite behind a shared vision.

The journalists agreed that GERD, constructed solely by Ethiopians, reveals Ethiopia’s resilience and commitment. It challenges entrenched perceptions that Africans cannot independently execute billion‑dollar projects. Instead, the dam stands as evidence that Africa can achieve greatness through determination and unity.

Gabriel Gatluak Wal Ket, a filmmaker and storyteller from South Sudan, described GERD as a testimony to Africa’s potential.

 

He remarked that if Ethiopia can accomplish such a feat, then South Sudan, Kenya, and other nations can follow suit. He said, “Africans must believe in themselves, build their nations, and stop depending on outsiders to dictate their path.”

Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, Spokesperson of Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, echoed these sentiments by highlighting the sacrifices made by Ethiopians both at home and in the diaspora.

 

He described, “GERD as an exemplary accomplishment for Africa, showcasing the immense resilience and determination of its people.

Beyond Ethiopia, the dam’s power generation will benefit neighboring countries, strengthen regional integration, and contribute to the African Union’s Agenda 2063—a vision of a prosperous and interconnected continent.” For Nebiat, GERD is not just a dam; it is a transformative force that changes the narrative of Africa itself.

During the visit, the journalists from IGAD Member States underscored that the GERD plays a significant role not only for Ethiopia but also for neighboring countries, by strengthening cooperation in renewable energy and contributing to ongoing efforts to combat climate change.