President Taye champions Africa’s dev’t and regional transformation with GERD at UNGA 80

Addis Ababa, September 25, 2025 (FMC) – In a comprehensive address to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, President Taye Atske-Selassie of Ethiopia underscored Africa’s development achievements, called for urgent global action to tackle the continent’s debt crisis, and highlighted the transformative impact of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on energy access and regional cooperation.

President Taye highlighted Africa’s remarkable progress under Agenda 2063, noting high economic growth rates, rising domestic revenue mobilization, and climate action initiatives—including renewable energy development, emission reduction, and afforestation—that are unmatched elsewhere. Efforts to enhance public welfare, reduce inequality, and combat transnational threats have intensified across the continent.

Despite these achievements, President Taye emphasized that global crises continue to hinder Africa’s ability to deliver on its development goals, with the compounding debt crisis posing a significant challenge. “In line with the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, we emphasize the need to advance an ambitious agenda on development finance,” he said, calling for the lifting of coercive measures and trade restrictions targeting Africa, as well as a new global initiative for debt cancellation, restructuring, and suspension.

Turning to regional cooperation, the President highlighted recent milestones in the Nile River Basin. The entry into force of the Nile River Basin Cooperative Framework has set the stage for the establishment of the Entebbe-based Nile River Basin Commission, creating a platform for collaboration among the basin’s riparian states.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, commissioned on the eve of the Ethiopian New Year, was a central focus of President Taye’s address. With an installed capacity of over 5,000 megawatts, GERD is expected to provide electricity to 60 million Ethiopians currently without access to clean energy. Beyond power generation, the dam contributes to sustainable development by improving water access, generating employment opportunities for youth, enhancing food security, and alleviating the burden on women and girls who previously spent hours collecting firewood.

“GERD is not just an energy project; it is a transformative initiative that connects communities, drives development, and strengthens regional solidarity,” President Taye said. The project has also fostered enhanced cooperation among Nile Basin countries, reflecting Ethiopia’s commitment to Pan-African collaboration and shared prosperity.

President Taye further linked Africa’s development to broader continental aspirations, stressing the importance of maritime security in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. Ethiopia advocates equal access and opportunities for all states and remains committed to pursuing this goal through diplomacy and peaceful engagement.

Concluding his remarks, the Ethiopian President reaffirmed his country’s dedication to Africa’s progress, regional cooperation, and sustainable development. “The time is now to work towards Africa’s true independence, driven by African agency and guided by the common destiny of our people,” he said.