Summary
Ethiopia has completed the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the largest hydroelectric dam in Africa, which was officially launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The dam, built across a tributary of the Nile River, is meant to improve electricity access in Ethiopia and neighboring areas, while also becoming a symbol of national pride. The project involved domestic funding and contributions by Ethiopians, and has been a source of regional tension, particularly with Egypt.
Key Facts
- The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is Africa's largest hydroelectric dam.
- The dam spans 1.78 kilometers and is 145 meters tall.
- It created a large reservoir called Lake Nigat.
- The dam's construction involved 11 million cubic meters of concrete.
- Ethiopia fully funded the dam with domestic resources, disputing claims of foreign financial support.
- The project faced diplomatic tensions with Egypt and other downstream countries.
- Ethiopians contributed through donations and government bonds to fund the dam.
- The dam aims to provide electricity to Ethiopia and the region.
