Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
African countries are set to benefit from reliable access to clean renewable energy through the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, with Zimbabwe and the wider SADC region among the states expected to gain from future power exports.
Speaking in Harare during Ethiopian New Year celebrations, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Rashid Mohammed Abdulwahid, said the GERD, inaugurated on September 9, is the largest hydroelectric project in Africa and among the world’s top 20 with a capacity of more than 5,150 megawatts.
“The GERD is not just for Ethiopia. It is a Pan-African project that will light up our continent,” Ambassador Mohammed said. “
Already, Ethiopia is exporting electricity to Sudan, Kenya, Djibouti and South Sudan, with plans to extend this clean energy to even more African countries, including those in SADC such as Zimbabwe.”
He said the dam would play a vital role in strengthening regional trade and integration while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
“This is a win-win project. The waters of the Abay will continue to flow and Ethiopia has no intention of denying its neighbours their fair share,” he said.
Zimbabwe, which has been experiencing recurring electricity shortages due to low water levels at Kariba Dam and ageing thermal power stations, could in the future tap into Ethiopia’s growing power pool under continental energy-sharing frameworks across East and Southern Africa.
The African Union and regional blocs such as COMESA and SADC have already identified power interconnectivity as key to industrial growth.
Ambassador Abdulwahid said the GERD was financed largely by Ethiopians themselves through donations, bonds and grassroots contributions.
“It is a story of resilience across generations made possible by ordinary Ethiopians,” he said, commending the Ethiopian community in Zimbabwe for their support.
He said the dam was part of Ethiopia’s broader transformation, which also includes building Africa’s largest airport, expanding wheat exports and developing trade corridors to boost self-reliance and continental trade.
“As we celebrate the Ethiopian New Year, we also celebrate Africa’s shared resilience and future,” Ambassador Abdulwahid said. “The GERD is a symbol of hope not just for Ethiopia but for all of Africa, including Zimbabwe.”
