The pride of Ethiopia - What it took to build Africa's largest hydro-electric dam

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is Africa's largest hydroelectric dam, located on the Blue Nile River. Its construction has been a source of national pride for Ethiopia, uniting the country despite controversy with neighboring countries. The dam's development, which began in 2011, has been a significant undertaking, requiring the mobilization of resources and manpower. The project has faced challenges, including diplomatic tensions with Egypt and Sudan, who are concerned about the dam's potential impact on their water supply. However, the Ethiopian government has maintained that the GERD is essential for the country's economic development and power generation. The dam is expected to produce over 6,000 megawatts of electricity, making it a crucial part of Ethiopia's efforts to increase its power generation capacity and improve energy access for its growing population. Despite the controversies, the construction of the GERD has become a unifying national project, fostering a sense of pride and purpose among Ethiopians. The dam's successful completion would be a significant achievement for the country and its people.