Ethiopia completes construction of Nile mega-dam, PM says
Ethiopia's Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, announced on July 3rd that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is now fully constructed. This massive infrastructure project has been a source of tension with Egypt and Sudan, who also rely on the Nile River, as it affects their access to water.
The dam, which is expected to be fully operational in the near future, will enable Ethiopia to bolster its hydroelectric power production. The project has been a key component of the country's strive to become a significant player in the energy sector within Eastern Africa.
What's next for the GERD?
The next crucial step for Ethiopia is to fill the dam, which is expected to take between 7-10 years. This process will be closely monitored by UN experts to ensure it complies with the 2015 bilateral agreement with Egypt and Sudan. Ethiopia, despite being able to generate hydroelectric power, is facing a energy crisis as a result of the civil war sparked in the northern region of the country.
Regional implications
The completion of the dam is a major step for Ethiopia's energy ambitions and marks a significant shift in the region's politics and power dynamics. However, it also underscores the complexities of developmental projects and the strained relations between countries in Eastern Africa.
