GERD proves Ethiopians, Diaspora can mobilize billions to build other mega projects: Director-General

Addis Ababa, April 13, 2025 (FMC) — The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which is built by Ethiopians and the Ethiopian Diaspora, showcases that Ethiopians can mobilize billions to build such mega projects, Ethiopian Diaspora Service Director-General Fitsum Arega said.

According to him, Ethiopia has built a capacity to continue doing similar mega projects.

Upon completion soon, GERD would bring foreign currency for Ethiopia by exporting electricity to neighboring countries like Djibouti, Sudan, Kenya and Tanzania, the director-general told local news agency ENA.

“When completed, it will have a direct and indirect economic benefit as equal as 1 billion USD a year,” he noted, adding that this “will be an addition to our GDP due to the power that brings light to our cities, households, manufacturing industries, among others.”

Fitsum elaborated that the impact of GERD will be manifold as it would bring many benefits for Ethiopia and the region, mainly in terms of source of environmental friendly green and renewable energy.

Besides, the hydropower energy from GERD would help manufacturing industries in the region to grow power intensive industries and enable close to 60 million Ethiopians to access electricity.

In addition to its economic benefits, the dam will have direct or indirect impact on education and health of Ethiopians since having access to electricity enhances access to education to the rural community and relieves people from health hazards caused by firewood smoke.

The director-general pointed out that the GERD built by Ethiopians and the diaspora with over 5 billion US Dollars showcases that Ethiopians can mobilize billions of resources to build such mega projects.

Fitsum finally noted that the Ethiopian Diaspora around the globe has been actively mobilizing support for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam through various ways and means.