‘A Second Adwa Victory for Africa’: Oliver Tambo’s Daughter Calls GERD a Symbol of African Ingenuity and Sovereignty

Addis Ababa, December 14, 2025 (FMC) — Nomatemba Olivia Tambo, daughter of renowned South African anti-apartheid leader Oliver Tambo, has described Ethiopian Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as “a second Adwa Victory” and “a monument of African pride and self-determination.

Following her recent visit to the continent’s largest hydropower project, she applauded Ethiopians for building the project through local resources and collective conviction.

Speaking exclusively to Fana Media Corporation during her visit to the GERD site along with other descendants of Pan-African icons, Olivia said the dam stands as a powerful historical statement comparable to the victory of Adwa, where Ethiopians defeated colonial forces and reshaped global perceptions of African capability.

“Standing here, I feel the same spirit that defeated colonialism,” she said.
“GERD proves that Africa does not have to beg, wait, or be dictated to. It shows what we can do when we believe in ourselves.”

Olivia emphasized that GERD’s construction through public contribution and domestic financing is a watershed lesson for Africa — demonstrating that infrastructure of continental significance can be achieved without external interference or conditional loans.

She described the dam as “an engineering masterpiece” that future generations will recognize not only as an energy source but as a turning point in African development consciousness.

“This is more than electricity generation — it is history, identity and dignity being built before our eyes,” she stressed.
“Every brick tells a story of sacrifice. Every turbine is a message to the world that Africa is capable.”

Olivia praised the Ethiopian youth who contributed financially, volunteered, and defended the project under challenging circumstances.

She called their devotion “a testament to patriotic duty and national cohesion.”

According to her, GERD will accelerate industrialization, improve livelihoods, foster regional integration and reduce Africa’s dependence on imported energy.

She added that her visit deepened her emotional connection to Ethiopia’s legacy of defiance and leadership in liberation struggles.

“My father always saw Ethiopia as a home for African freedom movements. Being here today, seeing GERD, I understand why,” she noted. “It feels like stepping into a living chapter of African history.”

Olivia encouraged African states to draw practical lessons from Ethiopia — mobilizing citizens, prioritizing public interest and maintaining consistency regardless of external pressure.

“If Ethiopia can do this, so can Africa. GERD is a mirror reflecting who we truly are — strong, creative and unstoppable when united,” she concluded.

Nomatemba Olivia Tambo was among a delegation of descendants of prominent Pan-African leaders who recently visited Ethiopia to strengthen historic ties, pay tribute to anti-colonial legacies and witness flagship national development projects including GERD.