Addis Ababa, September 9, 2025 (FMC) – Leaders from across Africa gathered today at the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) to witness its historic inauguration, underlining the project’s regional and continental importance.
The ceremony, held at the GERD site, was attended by several top African leaders, including Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, President of Djibouti; Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of South Sudan; Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of Somalia; William Samoei Ruto, President of Kenya; and Russell Mmiso Dlamini, Prime Minister of Eswatini.
In addition, Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, was present, highlighting the international attention and recognition the project has garnered.
The GERD, Africa’s largest hydropower project, has long been seen as a transformative project for Ethiopia and the Nile Basin region. Its commissioning marks a major step toward sustainable energy production, regional integration, and collective African self-reliance.
By hosting this landmark event, Ethiopia showcased the dam as a symbol of shared African ambition, highlighting the potential of regional collaboration in addressing the continent’s energy and development needs.