Global Media Reacts Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam Inauguration

Addis Ababa, September 9, 2025 (FMC) – The inauguration of Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has attracted global attention, emphasizing the project’s significance as a milestone in sustainable development and regional cooperation. The event was attended by several African leaders, including the Presidents of Djibouti, South Sudan, Somalia, and Kenya, as well as the Prime Ministers of Barbados and Eswatini, highlighting the regional and international significance of the project.

Across Africa, the GERD is recognized as a transformative project, reflecting Ethiopia’s growing role as a regional energy hub. CAJ News Africa highlighted the dam’s potential to position Ethiopia as a leading energy provider on the continent, while Addis Standard emphasized its role in fostering cooperation across the Nile Basin. Africanews reported on the excitement among Ethiopians as they anticipate being connected to the national electricity grid once the dam becomes fully operational.

European media have noted the GERD’s capacity to significantly enhance Ethiopia’s energy production and facilitate regional energy exports. France 24 reported that the dam, with an eventual capacity of 5,150 MW, will electrify millions of homes and support broader regional energy cooperation. The Financial Times highlighted the project’s ambition and its contribution to strengthening regional development ties.

In North America, Reuters and the Associated Press highlighted the dam’s potential to boost Ethiopia’s energy capacity and stimulate economic growth. They noted that the project, launched in 2011 and costing $5 billion, is designed to eventually produce 5,150 MW of electricity, with two turbines already generating 750 MW. CBS News reported on the inauguration, noting the regional significance of the dam and its importance for Ethiopia’s development trajectory.

Asian media, including China Daily, covered the inauguration, highlighting China’s support for Ethiopia’s development initiatives and the GERD’s role in promoting regional energy cooperation. Coverage from other regions, including South America and Australia, has also underscored the dam’s historic significance and its potential to transform Ethiopia’s energy landscape.

The GERD’s inauguration represents a major achievement for Ethiopia, demonstrating the country’s capacity to harness its natural resources for sustainable development and regional cooperation. International reporting underscores the dam’s status not only as an engineering milestone but also as a symbol of Ethiopia’s resilience, ambition, and leadership in African development.