Addis Ababa, July 17, 2025 (FMC) — The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Africa’s largest hydropower project, is poised to generate an estimated $1 billion in annual revenue once fully operational, while supplying electricity to more than 66 million Ethiopians, according to officials.
Belete Berhanu, a member of the GERD Technical Committee, told Fana Podcast that the revenue will primarily come from exporting power to neighboring countries — a development that is expected to significantly accelerate Ethiopia’s national economic growth and regional integration efforts.
He emphasized that beyond energy generation, the dam’s artificial reservoir will have profound economic implications. “The lake formed by the GERD will be twice the size of Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest natural water body,” Belete said, adding that it will span over 254 kilometers and feature 78 islands, each covering more than five hectares.
According to Belete, this vast expanse of water will open up new opportunities for tourism, job creation, and the emergence of new urban centers and service economies.
He also confirmed that the construction of the dam’s power generation infrastructure has been completed on schedule. With all remaining resources now at the project site, the final assembly is progressing with strict adherence to technical precision and the official timeline.
Once completed, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam will not only serve as a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s energy future but also as a strategic regional asset — transforming livelihoods, stimulating economic development, and reinforcing the country’s role as a key energy supplier in East Africa.