Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam completed, hailed as generational achievement

Deputy head of mission Ambassador Demeke Atnafu during the inauguration celebration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) at the Ethiopian Embassy, September 6, 2025.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has been completed, marking what Ethiopian officials describe as a generational victory.

The project, which took 14 years to finish, demonstrates the country’s capacity for unity and collective effort.

“The construction of the GERD was successfully accomplished through a collective effort,” officials said, highlighting the contributions of both the government and the public.

Observers noted that the dam faced numerous challenges during construction but emphasised Ethiopia’s resilience.

“By standing together and bringing the dam to fruition, Ethiopians have re-enacted the Victory of Adwa quietly and without a fuss,” they said.

Officials described the GERD as more than infrastructure. “It is a successful project where Ethiopians turned their frustration into action, demonstrating that nothing is impossible when people rise in unity,” the statement added.

The completion of the dam has also been framed as a shift in the narrative about Ethiopia and the continent. “The completion of the GERD proved that a nation that once stooped its head could rise on its own,” observers said.

The project is seen as a milestone for Ethiopia and Africa. Officials described it as heralding “a new dawn and a new era for the continent,” and noted it reflects the capacity of a generation to achieve what was once deemed impossible.

“It is a monument of Africa’s renaissance and resurgence, built with its own capacity,” observers said.

To mark the completion of the GERD, the Ethiopian Embassy in Kenya held an inauguration celebration on September 6, coinciding with the eve of the Ethiopian New Year.

The event brought together members of the Ethiopian diaspora who contributed to the dam’s construction.

Over the past 14 years, Ethiopians living in Kenya purchased bonds totaling more than $700,000 to support the project.

The embassy recognized both Ethiopian citizens and friends of Ethiopia who purchased bonds, awarding certificates to honor their contributions.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Head of Mission Ambassador Demeke Atnafu said, “We are here to celebrate the completion of the GERD and to recognize the dedication of our diaspora and friends of Ethiopia who made this achievement possible.”