Ethiopia Inaugurates Landmark Renaissance Dam, Kenya Eyes Power Imports
Benishangul-Gumuz Region, Ethiopia – In a historic event symbolizing African ambition and self-reliance, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) was officially inaugurated today. The ceremony, attended by several heads of state, marks the completion of Africa’s largest hydropower project, funded entirely by the Ethiopian people.
The dam, with a massive estimated capacity of 6,450 megawatts, is poised to transform Ethiopia’s energy landscape. For neighbouring Kenya, it represents a significant economic opportunity. Kenyan leadership has announced its readiness to sign a power purchase agreement with Ethiopia to import surplus electricity.
This energy is expected to be a catalyst for Kenya’s development, powering its industries, expanding ICT hubs, boosting manufacturing and agro-processing sectors, and ultimately enhancing competitiveness, creating jobs, and driving sustainable economic growth.
The inauguration was attended by a host of regional leaders, underscoring the project’s continental importance. Presidents Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, and Africa Union Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf were present to witness the event.
In his remarks, Kenyan leadership celebrated the achievement as a “bold affirmation of Africa’s ability to marshal its own resources and shape its destiny.” The message emphasized that no nation should be denied the chance to build such transformative assets, which can become shared sources of prosperity for the region.
However, the celebrations were tempered by acknowledgment of the ongoing diplomatic tensions surrounding the dam. Kenya reaffirmed its support for the equitable and reasonable use of shared waters by all Nile Basin countries. It urged Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan to continue their trilateral talks in good faith, stating that “dialogue and compromise remain the surest path to a fair agreement that safeguards prosperity and stability for all.”
Congratulations were extended to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the Ethiopian people for what was described as a “remarkable achievement.” The event solidifies the GERD not just as an infrastructure project, but as a powerful symbol of progress and potential for the entire African continent.
