Addis Ababa, September 9, 2025 (FMC) – Kenya’s President William Ruto on Tuesday praised the inauguration of Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as a historic achievement and a symbol of Africa’s capacity to harness its own resources for sustainable development.
Speaking at the ceremony in Guba, President Ruto congratulated the government and people of Ethiopia, calling the dam “not only a feat of engineering ambition but also a bold affirmation of Africa’s ability to shape its destiny and deliver transformative infrastructure.”
He emphasized that the GERD represents more than a national project, describing it as a Pan-African statement with potential to advance energy connectivity across the continent.
Highlighting Africa’s energy deficits—where nearly 600 million people lack electricity and close to one billion lack clean cooking solutions—President Ruto stressed that such projects are vital for inclusive development, particularly for women, children, and rural communities.
“Supported by regional solidarity and multilateral cooperation, the GERD provides a blueprint for scaling similar projects across Africa and bridging the energy divide,” he said.
President Ruto underscored Kenya’s partnership with Ethiopia in the energy sector, noting that in 2022 Kenya began importing 200 megawatts of hydroelectric power under a 25-year agreement through a 1,045-kilometre interconnector.
He said that discussions were underway to secure additional power from the dam to support Kenya’s industrial parks, ICT hubs, and special economic zones, enhancing grid reliability and supporting the country’s climate and development goals.
The Kenyan leader praised Ethiopia’s locally financed approach to the GERD, noting that the $5 billion project was completed without foreign debt or external support. “Knowing that the sweat, energy, and resources invested in this monumental project came from Ethiopians themselves gives us confidence in Africa’s ability to command its own development,” he said.
President Ruto also drew parallels between Ethiopia’s and Kenya’s domestic development initiatives, highlighting housing projects in both countries financed through local resources without reliance on external debt. “This moment reminds us that the path to peace and prosperity lies in working together, in partnership, and in unity,” he said.
He concluded by emphasizing regional cooperation: “Together we can transform our region, harness our shared resources, and shape a future of dignity and opportunity for all our people. God bless Ethiopia, and God bless our region.”
The remarks came as Ethiopia celebrated the historic inauguration of the GERD, with citizens nationwide taking to the streets in jubilation, and leaders from across Africa attending to mark the milestone as a symbol of development, resilience, and regional partnership.