Ethiopia yesterday inaugurated the $5 billion Grand Renaissance Dam, the largest in Africa, aimed at boosting the economy, ending frequent blackouts, and supporting its electric vehicle transition.
The project, located near the Sudanese border, is expected to generate over 5,000 megawatts and double the nation’s electricity output.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, speaking during the launch, described the dam as a major milestone that demonstrates Africa’s capacity for transformative infrastructure, while leaders from across the continent, including South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and Kenya’s President William Ruto, expressed interest in purchasing electricity from Ethiopia to ease their own energy deficits.
The project, however, has drawn opposition from Egypt, which fears reduced Nile water flows that sustain its agriculture and population of over 100 million.
Abiy sought to reassure neighboring nations, stressing that Ethiopia has no intention of harming their interests and emphasized shared prosperity.