The pride of Ethiopia - What it took to build Africa's largest hydro-electric dam
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.
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