GERD’s Completion Heralds Ethiopia’s Confidence in Future Mega Projects

Addis Ababa, August 27, 2025 (FMC) – The successful completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is building national confidence and paving the way for Ethiopia to embark on future mega development projects, according to scholars.

Speaking to Fana Media Corporation, they underlined that the GERD represents not only a milestone achievement in energy and infrastructure, but also a demonstration of Ethiopia’s resilience and capacity to deliver on ambitious undertakings.

With its official inauguration only days away, the dam is being hailed as a defining moment in the nation’s development journey.

Abdella Kemal (PhD), Acting President of Arba Minch University and a scholar of water diplomacy, said Ethiopians both at home and abroad united to make the GERD a symbol of pride and self-reliance. He noted that the project endured significant external pressures yet prevailed, proving Ethiopia’s ability to overcome obstacles and setting a precedent for future development initiatives.

He further stressed that the experience gained through the GERD will serve as a foundation for the country to harness its natural resources more effectively in the years ahead.

Tilahun Liben, Professor of International Relations and Diplomacy, described the GERD as Ethiopia’s “second Adwa Victory,” underscoring how the dam reflects the collective determination, unity, and resilience of the Ethiopian people. He emphasized that citizens across the nation contributed to the project, making it a genuine expression of national solidarity and commitment.

The scholars affirmed that the GERD is more than an infrastructure project; it is a story of unity, patriotism, and shared identity. They said its success, achieved through broad public participation and national determination, will remain a lasting legacy and source of inspiration for generations to come.