Summary
Ethiopia has inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which is the largest hydroelectric dam in Africa. The dam's construction has created regional tensions, particularly with Egypt, which fears that it could reduce its water supply from the Nile River.
Key Facts
- The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is located on the Blue Nile in Ethiopia's Benishangul-Gumuz region.
- The dam is the biggest hydroelectric dam in Africa, with a capacity of 5,000 megawatts of electricity.
- It took 14 years to build the dam, costing about $5 billion, which Ethiopia financed without international aid.
- The project aims to double Ethiopia's electricity capacity, benefiting its population, half of whom lack access to electricity.
- Egypt relies on the Nile for 97% of its water and views the dam as a potential threat to its water supply.
- Sudan, Ethiopia's other neighbor, is affected by both annual floods and electricity shortages, which the dam could help alleviate.
- International attempts, including by former U.S. President Trump, failed to resolve the disputes over the dam.
- Ethiopia and Egypt have not reached an agreement, and tensions remain high between the countries.
