Ministers of Nile Basin countries applaud Ethiopia’s GERD, call it a model for regional dev’t

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Ministers, diplomats, and journalists from Nile Basin countries have praised Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as a transformative infrastructure project fostering regional power connectivity, economic integration, and cooperation. Their remarks followed a visit to the GERD project site as part of the 19th Nile Day celebrations.

The 19th Nile Day was commemorated on February 22, 2025, at the Science Museum in Addis Ababa, with Ethiopian President Taye Atske-Selassie, Minister of Water and Energy Engineer Habtamu Itefa, and water ministers from riparian nations in attendance. The event, themed “Strengthening Nile Cooperation for Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” featured a marching band procession and an exhibition.

Accompanied by Ethiopian officials, ministers from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Sudan, South Sudan, and Ethiopia traveled to the GERD site. During the visit, Minister Habtamu Itefa and Engineer Kifle Horo, head of the GERD project, provided a detailed briefing on the dam’s progress and significance.

In an exclusive interview with Fana Media Corporation, Uganda’s Minister of State for Environment, Beatrice Atim Anywar, underscored the importance of first-hand assessment rather than relying on external narratives. She acknowledged Egypt’s concerns but stated that GERD is vital for ensuring the equitable use of Nile waters.

“Our concern and expectation were to see the reality for ourselves. Egypt has voiced objections, but when we arrived, we saw something entirely different from what has been portrayed. I congratulate the government and people of Ethiopia for establishing this resource. GERD is not only serving Ethiopia but also benefits Egypt by conserving water that would otherwise flow into the ocean. Additionally, it supplies power to its citizens, boosts industrialization, and lifts people out of poverty,” she said.

State Minister Anywar highlighted that GERD is a model for African self-sufficiency, reducing dependency on foreign aid. “Uganda, as a Nile Basin Initiative member, is proud of this achievement and will seek to replicate such initiatives. The people of Ethiopia have contributed immensely to making this a reality, and we applaud their effort,” she added.

Similarly, Pal Mai Deng, South Sudan’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation and acting chair of the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), lauded GERD’s project as a major milestone.

He described Ethiopia as a rising regional powerhouse with the potential to drive economic transformation across the Nile Basin.

“This project is very important because it will help transform Ethiopia’s economy and that of the entire region. The power generated by GERD will enhance resilience and economic growth across Nile Basin countries by fostering connectivity through power transmission lines,” Minister Deng stated.

The ministers emphasized the benefits that GERD brings to the people of Ethiopia, the riparian countries, and the region at large.

The remarks by both ministers come amid ongoing discussions among Nile Basin countries regarding fair and sustainable use of the Nile’s waters. Ethiopia maintains that GERD is a crucial infrastructure project aimed at ensuring energy security, economic development, and regional integration.

As GERD nears full operational capacity, its role in supplying electricity to the entire region is expected to further cement its significance as a pillar of regional cooperation and development.