Addis Ababa, September 1, 2025 (FMC) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) said the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has turned centuries-old ambitions of utilizing the Abbay River into a tangible reality, marking a historic achievement for Ethiopia.
Speaking at the GERD site in a detailed discussion with his Social Affairs Advisor, Deacon Daniel Kibret, the Prime Minister recalled that the project had faced numerous obstacles, including limited technical capacity, financial shortages, geopolitical pressures, and past political instability.
“Previous generations dreamed of harnessing the Abbay River, but their efforts were constrained. Today, that vision has come to life,” he said.
The dam, he added, is not only a testament to the resilience and determination of the Ethiopian people but also a demonstration of how strategic geopolitics enabled the project to succeed.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the GERD was initiated under the leadership of former Prime Minister Meles Zenawi in 2011, progressed under Hailemariam Desalegn, and has now reached completion.
He emphasized that the Ethiopian people are the true owners of the project, with successive leaders deserving recognition for guiding the dam through each phase.
PM Abiy also stressed the importance of maintaining a forward-looking perspective, urging Ethiopians to focus on the achievement itself rather than debating historical credit. “We are a generation that is making history,” he said.
The dam’s impending inauguration, scheduled within a week, will allow all Ethiopians to visit the site. Over 100 villas and an airport have been prepared to accommodate visitors, demonstrating the government’s commitment to making the GERD a national landmark and a symbol of Ethiopia’s revival.