Crystal Charles
Ethiopia will inaugurate its long-awaited Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on Tuesday, marking the completion of Africa’s largest hydropower project despite lingering tensions with Egypt and Sudan.
The $5 billion facility, under construction since 2011, is built on the Blue Nile and expected to generate over 5,000 megawatts—doubling Ethiopia’s current power output. Officials say the surplus will be exported to neighboring countries, strengthening Addis Ababa’s ambition to become Africa’s top electricity exporter.
But the project has faced fierce opposition from downstream nations. Egypt fears reduced water flows could threaten its agriculture and water security, while Sudan has raised concerns about the risks of uncoordinated water releases.
“Egypt was able to overcome shortages through the High Dam’s reserves, but we can’t always rely on this,” warned Abbas Sharaky, a water expert at Cairo University. Sudan, meanwhile, has reported reduced seasonal flooding but fears sudden fluctuations.
Ethiopia insists the GERD will not harm its neighbors. Water Minister Habtamu Itefa said flows downstream have actually increased during the dry season.
“Three to four times more water is reaching them than before. It is a blessing,” he said, urging Nile Basin states to work together on future projects.
Analysts agree the dam has been carefully designed to maintain year-round water flow. “Egypt continues to receive water, Ethiopia continues to send water,” said Yacob Arsano, a Nile Basin scholar at Addis Ababa University.
For Ethiopians, the project represents more than electricity—it is a symbol of development and national pride.
“We want more electricity in our daily life. We’re all excited,” said Amakelech Debalke Gebre-Giorgis, a resident of Addis Ababa.
While many African leaders are expected to skip the inauguration due to the ongoing dispute, Tuesday’s ceremony will mark a milestone in one of the continent’s most contentious infrastructure projects.