Addis Ababa, September 1, 2025 (FMC) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) described the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as a historic turning point for Ethiopia, emphasizing the project’s significance beyond energy generation.
In a meeting at the GERD site with his Social Affairs Advisor, the Prime Minister said the dam represents the culmination of 14 years of persistent effort, overcoming financial constraints, technical challenges, geopolitical pressures, and logistical difficulties.
“Completing this project is like waking up the dead,” he said, recalling how earlier delays threatened the dam due to lack of funding, limited project management capacity, and external pressures.
PM Abiy explained that the dam breaks the long-standing cycle of injustice, destruction, and poverty that has burdened generations.
“The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is a monumental project that ends centuries of challenges and brings light to Ethiopia and the region,” he said, stressing that the project differs from other initiatives such as green footprint or corridor development because of its national significance and the scale of its challenges.
He also highlighted the dedication of Ethiopian workers who labored under difficult terrain and adverse conditions, noting that the dam has operated continuously without interruption.
The Prime Minister credited the Creator, the determination of the Ethiopian people, and the collaboration of security forces, experts, and engineers for the successful completion.
PM Abiy called for historians and scholars to study the dam process without political bias, stressing that lessons learned from GERD will guide future generations.
He added that the project demonstrates Ethiopia’s capacity to manage large-scale initiatives while respecting national interests.