Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the completion of the Nile dam project, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), during a parliamentary address on 3 July 2025.
The GERD began construction in 2011 with a $4 billion (about R73.6 billion) budget.
It is the largest hydroelectric project in Africa, measuring 1.8 km in width and 145 metres in height.
Furthermore, the Nile dam is expected to generate more than 5 000 megawatts of electricity when it opens in September, according to Abiy.
In February 2022, electricity generation began, and two turbines are now producing electricity.
The dam is located 30 kilometres from Sudan’s border, in Ethiopia’s northwest region.
NILE DAM STRONGLY OPPOSED
Sudan and Egypt reiterated their opposition to the GERD’s unilateral completion without a formal agreement.
As a result of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), 97% of Egypt’s water comes from the Nile, and the country is concerned about its access being reduced.
Moreover, Sudan voiced concerns about the security of its dams and water infrastructure downstream.
More than a decade of intense negotiations has not yielded a trilateral agreement.
Sudan’s Sovereign Council General Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi both denounced unilateral actions in the Blue Nile Basin on 30 June.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to regional legal frameworks and water security.
CALLS FOR REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP
“The GERD is a collective opportunity, not a threat to neighbouring countries,” Abiy Ahmed emphasised.
He declared that Ethiopia is willing to discuss water-related issues with Egypt and Sudan in a positive manner.
Ethiopia’s advancement would not come at the expense of others, Abiy reaffirmed.
Across the Nile basin, he promoted “collective advancement, collective energy, and collective water”.
Ethiopia claims that economic growth and electrification depend on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Half of Ethiopia’s population does not have access to electricity, according to World Bank data.
REGIONAL DISPUTE IN EAST AFRICA
Egypt announced the cessation of negotiations in December 2023 as a result of Ethiopia’s unilateral acts.
Sudan continues to be unstable due to persistent civil strife and fluctuating political alignments.
The African Union (AU) has advocated for fresh engagement; nevertheless, official mediation has not recommenced.
International experts caution about rising tensions in the absence of a formal water-sharing mechanism.
Ethiopia asserts that it does not need external approval to construct infrastructure within its borders.
The GERD symbolises national pride and regional conflict in East Africa.
WILL THERE BE A BINDING GERD DEAL BEFORE ITS SEPTEMBER LAUNCH?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11.
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