Will Ethiopia's largest hydro-electric dam straddling the Blue Nile help electrify the country?

The vastness of the building site was at first overwhelming for the young Ethiopian mechanical engineer. Hundreds were already digging the foundations in tough conditions for what is now Africa's largest hydro-electric dam, straddling the Blue Nile. The dam will help electrify the country as well as provide power to the region.

What is Ethiopia's energy future?

Ethiopia’s energy future hinges on achieving a careful balance between inclusive electrification, financial reform, regional cooperation, and the country’s rapid renewable energy expansion.

What is Ethiopia's energy strategy?

Ethiopia’s energy strategy is strongly anchored in hydropower, but long-term resilience depends on accelerating the development of solar and wind energy. To avoid overreliance on a single source, the government must fast-track grid integration and enhances private sector participation through Independent Power Producer (IPP) schemes.

Should Africa start importing electricity from Ethiopia?

Dozens of African nations, including Kenya, Tanzania and South Sudan, have expressed interest in starting or scaling up electricity imports from Ethiopia following the mega dam launch. Countries lying downstream, however, do not share the same optimism.

Will Ethiopia's new dam improve online shopping?

There is a strong sense of pride in what Ethiopia has managed to accomplish with the completion of the dam. A 20-year-old university student, Yabsira Misganw, who was advertising a new online shopping mobile app, said the new dam “will provide stable electricity and improve online services.” ___

Why is EV development important in Ethiopia?

Supporting the domestic development of EVs is crucial to Ethiopia's strategic goals after it last year became the first country in the world to ban all imports of fuel-powered vehicles. Measured by power generation capacity, the GERD is the 15th biggest hydro-electric dam in the world.