GERD Boosting Regional Power Connectivity, Says Water and Energy Minister

Addis Ababa, January 31, 2026 (ENA) —The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is serving as a catalyst for Ethiopia's developmental transition and fostering regional economic cooperation through enhanced power connectivity, Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Iteffa said.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, Habtamu emphasized that the GERD, constructed independently, not only accelerating Ethiopia's development transition but also amplifying energy connectivity among countries of the religion while generating mutual economic benefits.

He elaborated the pivotal role of water resources in ensuring energy supply, achieving food sovereignty, and supporting industrial transformation.

According to Habtamu, Ethiopia's successes in both urban and rural industrial and agricultural development owe much to the power and irrigation infrastructure reliant on water resources.

The Minister noted that the completion of the GERD has doubled Ethiopia's power generation capacity to 9.6 gigawatts.

In the past six months alone, 1.1 gigawatts of power have been produced, significantly advancing industrial and agricultural transformation in both urban and rural areas, he added.

Residents in off-grid rural regions now also benefit from electricity sourced from solar, wind, and biogas.

Notably, the investment in power supply infrastructure is enhancing Addis Ababa's urban landscape and industrial productivity, marking a considerable achievement, he stated.

The GERD stands as a testament to Ethiopian ingenuity and self-reliance, instilling pride across the African continent, he indicated.

Habtamu pointed out that Ethiopians have demonstrated the power of self-reliance in the dam’s construction, resistant to external pressures, reiterating the dam's role in fostering shared economic blessings and improved energy connectivity in the region.

Nearly 21,000 kilometers of power transmission infrastructure have been installed in recent years, linking Ethiopia with its neighbors and enhancing trade and investment opportunities, he explained.

Additionally, the dam ensures reliable water flow to downstream Nile basin countries, mitigating flood risks.

The Minister also revealed that an integrated master plan will be initiated for Lake Nigat and its surrounding areas to leverage social and economic benefits in sectors such as fisheries and tourism.