Social Media Influencers Hail Completion of GERD as Historic Achievement

Addis Ababa, September 4, 2025 (FMC) – Social media influencers have expressed pride and admiration for the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), describing it as a landmark achievement in Ethiopia’s modern history and a symbol of national resilience and ambition.

Ustaz Jamal Bashir, founder of the influential “Abay Kings” media outlet, called GERD a defining moment for Ethiopia, emphasizing that the dam represents far more than an engineering feat. According to him, it embodies the collective determination, sacrifices, and aspirations of the Ethiopian people, marking the start of a new era for sustainable development and poverty reduction.

“GERD is a victory forged by the sweat, blood, and financial sacrifices of ordinary Ethiopians,” Bashir said. He stressed that the project fulfills Ethiopia’s legitimate right to utilize its natural water resources while challenging outdated colonial-era agreements that historically disadvantaged the country.

Highlighting the dam’s broader impact, Bashir noted that GERD not only generates over 5,000 megawatts of electricity, making it Africa’s largest hydroelectric power plant, but also has potential to boost large-scale fish production and strengthen the national economy by providing stable energy for industry, agriculture, and domestic consumption.

He further emphasized the importance of national unity in achieving the dam’s completion, achieved largely through domestic resources and grassroots contributions, without significant foreign funding. Bashir called for this same spirit to be applied to future national development projects.

Journalist Fayed Mahmud underscored the pivotal role of multilingual media coverage in communicating the realities of the Renaissance Dam to international audiences. He highlighted reporting in Arabic and other languages, noting that services launched by media outlets like Fana Media Corporation have been crucial in providing accurate information and countering misinformation.

Both influencers reaffirmed their commitment to continuing efforts to promote factual narratives about Ethiopia and the Renaissance Dam internationally, urging Ethiopians at home and abroad to support national development with the same dedication that brought GERD to fruition.