Ethiopia has officially launched Tuesday, September 9, the Grand Renaissance Dam, Africa’s largest hydroelectric project, designed to double the country’s electricity generation and power its transition to an electric vehicle economy.
Built at a cost of nearly $5 billion on the Blue Nile near Sudan, the dam is expected to generate more than 5,000 megawatts. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed hailed the project as a landmark African achievement, with citizens celebrating nationwide and several African leaders attending the ceremony to express interest in purchasing power.
The project has attracted regional support, with leaders such as South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and Kenya’s President William Ruto signalling plans to import electricity. Ruto described the dam as a “pan-African statement,” aligning with the African Union’s ambitions for energy connectivity. Kenya, already importing Ethiopian power, hopes the new supply will ease its energy deficit, while other neighbours view the dam as a source of growth and opportunity.
However, Egypt remains sharply opposed, calling the project an “existential threat” to its vital Nile water supply. Cairo has long argued that Ethiopia failed to conduct proper consultations or reach consensus with downstream countries, warning the project violates international law. In response, Abiy assured neighbouring states that Ethiopia does not intend to harm them, framing the project instead as a shared opportunity for prosperity. Despite such reassurances, the dam continues to symbolise both Ethiopian pride and regional discord.