Ethiopia has officially completed the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and started exporting electricity to Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania in October 2026.
The $4.2 billion dam on the Blue Nile is Africa's largest hydropower project, generating 5,150 megawatts. It was 11 years under construction amid disputes with Egypt and Sudan over Nile water flow.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the final turbine on October 15, 2026, calling it a symbol of African self-reliance. The dam is now filling Ethiopia's energy gap, with 60 million Ethiopians previously without electricity.
Ethiopia now exports 400 megawatts to Kenya via a new high-voltage line and 200 megawatts to Djibouti. Power exports will earn Ethiopia $1 billion annually and support industrial parks in Addis Ababa.
Egypt, which fears reduced Nile flow, has signed a new monitoring agreement after African Union mediation. Sudan also agreed to cooperate after technical guarantees.
The dam's reservoir has created a 74 billion cubic metre lake, boosting fisheries and tourism. Ethiopia plans to build more dams on tributaries.
Locals in Bahir Dar celebrate cheap power, while Addis Ababa Light Rail now runs 24 hours using GERD electricity.
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