The Abbay Dam, referred to as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), represents a significant initiative for Ethiopia and the broader African region.
The dam seeks to provide energy access to millions and promote regional development via eco-friendly hydropower.
Co-founder and CBE Capital CEO Zemedeneh Nigatu, in an interview with First Post Africa TV, highlighted that the dam represents not just a national achievement but also a significant step for the continent in the pursuit of energy security. “The Abbay Dam is a strategic and motivating project, with the potential to bring about major changes across East Africa, where numerous communities still do not have access to consistent power,” he stated.
Now finished and waiting for official opening, the dam is expected to produce between 5,000 and 6,000 megawatts of power, placing it among the largest hydroelectric facilities globally.
Zemedeneh emphasized that the GERD is completely funded by the Ethiopian government and its citizens, with significant support from the Ethiopian diaspora. “This is a strong demonstration of national unity and self-sufficiency. Ethiopia has achieved what many developing nations only aspire to—a large-scale project entirely owned and implemented within the country,” he stated.
Earlier on, Ethiopia had approached financial organizations like the World Bank, European financial institutions, and U.S. development agencies for funding, but these attempts were turned down because of the dam’s enormous cost, surpassing five billion USD. Some global observers also raised doubts about the necessity of such a large project, estimating Ethiopia’s energy needs at only 1,000 to 1,200 megawatts during that period.
Nevertheless, Ethiopians stayed determined. “This initiative reflects the aspirations of major industrial powers such as the U.S. and China in their respective developmental periods,” Zemedeneh remarked. “It is a source of honor not only for Ethiopia but for the entire continent of Africa.”
He addressed the spread of false information, stating that the dam is solely a hydroelectric initiative, not intended for agricultural purposes. Water keeps moving downstream toward Sudan and Egypt without being held back or redirected. Ethiopia has carried out broad discussions with Egypt and consistently shared technical data to confirm that the dam will not affect the water supply to nations downstream.
This is a project that the global community ought to acknowledge and back,” Zemedeneh concluded. “It represents sustainable growth, African autonomy, and a fresh period of regional collaboration.
Copyright 2025 The Ethiopian Herald. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media ().
Tagged: Ethiopia, Energy, Industry and Infrastructure, East Africa, Economy, Business and Finance
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
