Worabe City, Silte Zone, Ethiopia – September 2025

Thousands of Ethiopians thronged the streets of Worabe City in the Silte Zone last week to celebrate a historic milestone, the completion and official inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Africa’s largest hydroelectric project.

After 11 years of construction, the GERD on the Blue Nile River is set to generate over 5,000 megawatts of electricity, transforming Ethiopia’s energy landscape and powering economic growth across the country.

A Symbol of African Excellence and Resilience

The GERD is more than just a dam. It represents Ethiopia’s determination, unity, and innovation, marking a turning point in Africa’s infrastructure development. The project employed over 25,000 workers, with 91% of funding sourced domestically, showcasing the nation’s commitment to self-reliance.

The dam’s reservoir, Nigat Lake, spans an area larger than Greater London, providing not only power but also supporting irrigation and flood control programs crucial for Ethiopia’s agricultural sector.

Nationwide Celebration

The inauguration ceremony drew thousands of citizens from across the country. Streets were filled with festive parades, cultural performances, and traditional celebrations, highlighting the national pride and optimism surrounding this landmark achievement.

Regional Significance and Diplomatic Tensions

While GERD is a major win for Ethiopia, it has also prompted concerns from downstream countries, particularly Egypt and Sudan. Egypt, reliant on the Nile for 90% of its water supply, has raised concerns about potential reductions in water flow, while Sudan calls for legally binding agreements to ensure coordinated water management.

Ethiopia, however, maintains that the dam will benefit the entire Nile Basin, emphasizing regional cooperation and sustainable water resource management to support mutual growth.

Economic and Energy Impact

Once fully operational, GERD will:

• Provide electricity to millions of Ethiopians.
• Support industrialization and economic development.
• Position Ethiopia as a regional power exporter.

This landmark project reinforces Africa’s ability to harness its natural resources for sustainable development, symbolizing innovation, progress, and continental unity.

Key Highlights:

• Capacity: 5,150 MW – Africa’s largest hydropower facility.
• Construction Period: 2011 – 2025 (11 years).
• Funding: $5 billion, primarily domestic.
• Impact: Power generation, irrigation, flood control, and regional energy export.
• Symbolism: National pride, African resilience, and infrastructure excellence.

For more updates on African infrastructure, energy projects, and development news, visit Interface Africa Magazine.