Ethiopia Powers Africa’s Largest Dam Amid Nile Dispute

Ethiopia is set to inaugurate the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Africa’s largest hydroelectric project, which is expected to more than double the country's electricity generation and provide power to millions of Ethiopians currently lacking reliable access. The $5 billion dam on the Blue Nile represents a significant national achievement and a symbol of Ethiopia's growing geopolitical influence, as emphasized by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Despite the dam’s potential to boost Ethiopia’s energy sector and manufacturing, it has exacerbated tensions with downstream neighbors Egypt and Sudan, who fear the structure will reduce water flow and threaten their water security, raising concerns about regional stability. Both Egypt and Sudan consider the Nile’s water security a matter of national security and have criticized Ethiopia for proceeding without an agreement on water management. Ethiopia maintains that the dam will not harm its neighbors and could bring benefits to the entire Nile Basin. The conflicting perspectives highlight the ongoing dispute over Nile water allocation amid efforts for economic development and regional cooperation.