Barbados Prime Minister Hails GERD as a “Modern-Day Adwa Engineering Triumph”

Addis Ababa, September 9, 2025 (FMC) — Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has lauded the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as a monumental testament to African resilience, ingenuity, and unity, describing it as a “marvel of history” and a “modern-day Adwa engineering triumph.”

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the GERD, Prime Minister Mottley emphasized that while the dam serves as a critical source of water and energy for Ethiopia and its neighbors, its significance transcends mere infrastructure.

“Even if this project achieved solely the provision of water and power for Ethiopia and the surrounding region, it would still stand as a marvel of engineering, a beacon of historical achievement, and a catalyst for regional prosperity,” she remarked.

She went on to assert that the GERD represents far more than engineering excellence. “It is a driver of economic and social development, a pillar of security, and above all, the embodiment of a proud people who have stood resolute through history,” Mottley said.

Highlighting the formidable challenges the project overcame—including international skepticism and financial blockades—she credited the unwavering determination of Ethiopians both at home and in the diaspora.

“When the world doubted this vision, the Ethiopian people remained steadfast. They invested their resources, their hope, and their resolve. Five billion dollars later, we witness a project that exemplifies prosperity, stability, and the boundless potential of Africa and its diaspora,” she stated.

The Prime Minister drew a parallel between the GERD and the historic Battle of Adwa, underscoring its symbolic resonance for Pan-African solidarity.

“Adwa demonstrated to the Caribbean and beyond what is possible when we unite. It laid the groundwork for our independence and our shared understanding of Pan-African solidarity. The GERD reaffirms that when we come together, there are no limits to what we can achieve,” she emphasized.

Representing Barbados, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and the African Union’s Sixth Region for the diaspora, Mottley expressed that the completion of the GERD has reignited a sense of possibility among people of African descent worldwide.

“You have awakened our vision and inspired our ambitions,” she said. “Now is the moment to rise, to shape our destiny, and to become the architects of our future. This project demonstrates that we are not passive observers of history; we are its creators.”

Concluding her address, Prime Minister Mottley conveyed unwavering confidence in Africa’s capacity to confront challenges and realize its potential. “The GERD is living proof that when we collaborate, anything is achievable,” she affirmed.