Ethiopia has officially inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Africa’s largest hydro-electric project, a national undertaking that has taken 14 years to complete and united Ethiopians across political and ethnic divides.
A National Symbol
Stretching 1.78 km across the Blue Nile and standing 145 meters high, the GERD is built with over 11 million cubic meters of concrete. Its vast reservoir, named Lake Nigat (“dawn” in Amharic), is already a powerful symbol of national achievement and independence.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who led the inauguration, hailed the project as “a turning point for Ethiopia’s future,” emphasizing that it will not only light up homes but also boost regional power exports.
Built by Ethiopians, for Ethiopians
Unlike many megaprojects on the continent, the GERD was largely funded domestically. Citizens contributed through bonds, donations, and public campaigns, reinforcing a sense of collective ownership. From nurses and teachers to engineers and farmers, Ethiopians from all walks of life played a role.
Mechanical engineer Moges Yeshiwas, who joined the project in 2012, recalls the grueling shifts and long separations from his family. Yet, he says the sacrifice was worth it: “It stopped being just a job. I felt I was building something for my children’s future.”
Lives Without Electricity
The dam promises to generate 5,100 megawatts of power, more than doubling Ethiopia’s current capacity. Nearly half of Ethiopia’s 135 million citizens still lack electricity, a gap the government hopes to reduce drastically by 2030.
For families like that of Getenesh Gabiso, a mother of three living near Hawassa, the promise is personal. Her home has never had electricity. She cooks with firewood and lights the house with kerosene lamps, which she says have damaged her eyesight. “All I dream of is to see light in my house at night,” she says.
Challenges Ahead
Energy Minister Habtamu Ifeta acknowledges that while GERD’s turbines are ready, much remains to be done. Tens of thousands of kilometers of power lines are still needed to connect villages and towns nationwide.
Still, for many Ethiopians, the dam represents a shared victory. It was launched in 2011 under the late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, with the promise that every citizen would contribute to its realization. Today, as it comes to life, it carries the hopes of a brighter and more self-reliant Ethiopia.