Ethiopia Launches Africa’s Largest Dam, Boosts Grid to 9. 6 GW. Guba, Ethiopia — Ethiopia switched on the last turbines of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on 9 September, raising national hydro capacity to 9.
6 gigawatts and making the country the continent’s biggest hydropower producer, according to official statements. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed led the ceremony at the 5. 15 GW dam on the Blue Nile in Benishangul-Gumuz.
Local reports say the event ended a 14-year construction stretch financed almost completely by domestic bonds and treasury funds. With the new units online, state utility Ethiopian Electric Power can now cover home demand and begin scheduled exports to Kenya, Djibouti and Sudan, regional officials confirmed. Lines to Kenya were completed in late 2025; sales to Sudan and Djibouti await final metering agreements, sources close to the matter.
Egypt restated its opposition the same day.
A foreign — ministry communiqué carried by regional media calls the ongoing reservoir filling “a threat to Egyptian water rights. ” No binding Nile-sharing accord has been signed since 2015 principles were agreed, and downstream impacts remain under review by independent observers.
The $5 billion project started in 2011. When the final two turbines enter service later this year, the dam will regulate annual Nile flow while feeding the regional power pool, according to local reports. Further details on export volumes and pricing are expected after upcoming talks between utility regulators.
Source: Africa.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 4*
