Ethiopia Completes Construction of Controversial Grand Renaissance Dam on Blue Nile, Promises Cooperation with Egypt and Sudan

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Ethiopia has officially completed construction of the $4 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Africa’s largest hydroelectric power project, located on the Blue Nile. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the milestone as a national triumph while attempting to ease long-standing tensions with downstream nations Egypt and Sudan, who fear the project could threaten their vital water supplies.

The GERD, which is more than a mile long and 145 meters high, is situated in Ethiopia’s northern highlands, where around 85% of the Nile’s water originates. Since its launch in 2011, the dam has been a source of regional contention, especially for Egypt, which depends on the Nile for over 90% of its fresh water. Experts warn that even a slight reduction in water flow, such as 2%, could cost Egypt up to 200,000 acres of irrigated farmland. Sudan, too, relies heavily on Nile water and shares Egypt’s concerns about potential water scarcity and the impact on its own dams.

Despite the disagreements, Ethiopia views the GERD as critical to alleviating its chronic electricity shortages. Nearly 60% of Ethiopia’s population lacks access to power, and the dam is expected to significantly boost national electricity generation and support regional power exports.

In his statement, Prime Minister Abiy sought to downplay fears and emphasized regional unity: “To our neighbours downstream Egypt and Sudan our message is clear: the Renaissance Dam is not a threat, but a shared opportunity.” He also extended an invitation to Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Sudan’s military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan to attend the official inauguration in September, reinforcing his call for “shared progress, shared energy, and shared water.”

However, diplomatic friction remains. Just days before Ethiopia’s announcement, Presidents Sisi and al-Burhan reiterated their opposition to any “unilateral actions” concerning the Blue Nile, according to reports from AFP. Previous rounds of negotiations, including those mediated by the African Union, have so far failed to reach a comprehensive agreement on water management and dam operations.

The completion of GERD marks a historic achievement for Ethiopia’s infrastructure and energy ambitions, but it also underscores the urgent need for renewed diplomatic engagement to secure a cooperative, legally binding agreement that ensures equitable and sustainable use of Nile waters for all countries involved.