Addis ababa: ‘We believe that no country should be denied the opportunity to unlock a huge resource like the one that we are launching,’ Kenyan President Ruto reaffirmed during the auspicious inaugural ceremony of Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the inauguration ceremony was attended by several prominent leaders, including Ismal Omar Guelleh, President of the Republic of Djibouti, Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of the Republic of Barbados, and Russell Mmiso Dlamini, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini.
President Ruto hailed the project as an affirmation of Africa’s ability to shape its own destiny. He commended the people and government of Ethiopia, particularly Prime Minister Abiy, for this monumental achievement, noting that the Prime Minister inspires not only Ethiopians but also people in the region.
He highlighted the locally mobilized resources put into the development of the GERD, emphasizing that Ethiopia raised billions of dollars without debt, borrowing, or external support. This, Ruto stated, demonstrates Africa’s capability to take charge of its own destiny and development.
The partnership between Kenya and Ethiopia on clean energy serves as a living example of regional integration. The additional capacity from Ethiopia’s hydroelectric power enhances Kenya’s grid reliability, particularly during droughts, and supports its development agenda by providing consistent and affordable power for special economic zones, industrial parks, and ICT hubs.
President Ruto announced that Kenya is prepared to sign an additional power purchase agreement for any available reserve power from the GERD. The inauguration of the GERD comes as Africa faces a significant energy deficit, with over 600 million people lacking access to electricity. The dam is seen as a crucial step toward bridging this divide and achieving the African Union’s vision of continental energy connectivity.
President Ruto highlighted that the GERD provides a blueprint for scaling similar projects across Africa and addressing the continent’s growing energy needs, which are set to rise due to population growth and rapid urbanization. He drew a parallel between Ethiopia’s monumental dam project and Kenya’s own development initiatives, such as its housing program aimed at improving living conditions for millions.
He concluded by stating that the inauguration of the GERD must remind the region that the path to peace and prosperity lies in working together rather than division.