Successful Completion of GERD Proves Ethiopia’s Capacity to Execute World-Class Infrastructures, Says PM

Addis Ababa, February 3, 2026 (ENA)—The successful completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) proves that Ethiopia possesses the institutional capacity to execute world-class infrastructures independently, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said today.

 Ethiopia built the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) entirely without external aid or loans, he stated, noting that the dam is a collective national triumph realized through unity, financial contributions, and resilience of the Ethiopian people.

“We have not received a single Birr in aid or loans for the GERD. The project has been realized entirely through the hard work, dedication, and contributions of our people,” the premier stated, stressing that the dam is fully executed and owned by the Ethiopian government and its citizens.

Responding to questions posed by members of the House of People’s Representatives, the Prime Minister also said Ethiopia’s ongoing development momentum has not stopped with GERD.

“Construction is already underway on Africa’s third-largest Koysha Dam, alongside wind power plants, the continent’s largest airport, and a fertilizer plant as well as a gas refinery whose first phase is complete and the second underway.”

According to PM Abiy Ethiopia is setting a model for project execution across Africa, highlighting the government’s approach of managing mega-projects from construction to completion.

He added that the culture of working around the clock, seven days a week, is taking root and expanding across various regions, fueled by ongoing projects and corridor development.