AUC Chairperson Awards GERD Inauguration the Status of a Defining Legacy for Generations

Addis Ababa, September 9, 2025 (FMC) – African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf hailed the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as a generational milestone that will echo through Africa’s history.

The dam, inaugurated today by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in the presence of African leaders and dignitaries, was described by Youssouf as a “historic day” not only for Ethiopia but also for the continent. He underscored that the project’s inception, decades-long construction, and ultimate completion reflect unwavering dedication, national sacrifice, and visionary leadership.

Highlighting the transformative impact of the GERD, the Chairperson noted that the facility is designed to generate up to 5,000 megawatts of renewable energy—power that will light homes, drive industries, and extend economic opportunities within Ethiopia and across neighboring states.

“I take this moment of profound significance to congratulate Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for steering this extraordinary endeavor, and to salute the Ethiopian people, who financed it with their own savings, resilience, and sacrifice,” Youssouf declared.

He further drew attention to the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), the Agenda 2063 framework launched in 2012 that guides the continent’s large-scale, cross-border infrastructure ambitions in energy, transport, transboundary water resources, and ICT. The GERD, he stressed, embodies the PIDA vision and Africa’s collective determination to build transformative infrastructure.

Referring to the recent Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa, Youssouf characterized the dam as “a testimony of words translated into action,” reaffirming that renewable energy and the energy transition lie at the heart of Africa’s sustainable future.

Reiterating Ethiopia’s assurances that the GERD is not intended to cause harm, he emphasized diplomacy as the path forward. “I urge the three countries to resume talks on the basis of the 2015 Khartoum Agreement on Principles,” he said, adding that the African Union stands ready to facilitate dialogue.

Pointing to the joint management of the Senegal River by Senegal, Mali, and Mauritania, Youssouf cited it as a model of successful trilateral cooperation.

He concluded his remarks with an appeal for wisdom and shared responsibility, invoking the Holy Quran: “We made every living thing from water.”