GERD Signals Africa’s Economic Sovereignty, Says Prof Yacob Arsano

ADDIS ABABA, February 13, 2026 (ENA) —Hydro politics scholar Professor Yacob Arsano has described the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as a defining African project that advances the continent’s quest for economic sovereignty.

In an exclusive interview with the Ethiopian News Agency, Professor Yacob said the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union is expected to galvanize momentum toward shared development priorities.

He said the dam stands as proof of what African nations can achieve through collective resolve and domestic resource mobilization.

“Africa endured slavery and colonial domination for centuries. Through Pan African solidarity, the continent secured political freedom. The next frontier is economic sovereignty,” he said.

Professor Yacob noted that while many African countries achieved political independence, the struggle to command their own economic systems remains unfinished.

He stressed that GERD, financed and constructed by Ethiopians, demonstrates how nations can shape their development trajectory without external dependence.

“The GERD embodies the aspirations of Agenda 2063 and reflects the true spirit of Pan Africanism. It proves that Africans are capable of shaping their own destiny,” he added.

According to him, the project is not only critical to Ethiopia’s growth but also carries wider continental relevance by strengthening regional power connectivity and accelerating economic transformation.

He said convening the African Union summit soon after the dam’s completion adds fresh impetus to Africa’s development agenda.

With water security featuring prominently on the summit’s program, he underlined the opportunity for leaders to advance sustainable water management to improve public health, boost agricultural output and uplift livelihoods.

Professor Yacob also commended Ethiopia’s environmental campaign, the Green Legacy Initiative, describing it as a milestone in national climate action.

Beyond hydropower, he cited expanding infrastructure ventures across Africa, including airport construction, gas development and fertilizer production, as strategic foundations for long term self-reliance.

He further highlighted Ethiopia’s wheat production drive, noting that food self-sufficiency enhances both economic resilience and diplomatic leverage.

Recalling the historic Battle of Adwa, Professor Yacob said the victory marked a turning point in Africa’s liberation struggle.

According to the scholar, the GERD represents a new chapter of hope and signaling united action in the 21st century can elevate Africa’s global standing and secure full independence in every sense.