Africa’s Largest Dam Starts Powering Ethiopia Despite Egypt Row

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Africa's largest hydroelectric dam, is set to be officially inaugurated in Ethiopia on Tuesday. The massive project, which has been a source of tension between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan, has the potential to power homes and industries across East Africa. The dam, located on the Blue Nile, a major tributary of the Nile River, has been a subject of lengthy negotiations and disputes between the three countries. Egypt and Sudan have raised concerns about the potential impact of the dam on their water supply, as the Nile is a crucial resource for both countries. Despite the ongoing diplomatic tensions, Ethiopia views the GERD as a crucial step in its efforts to boost economic development and reduce poverty through the expansion of its power grid. The inauguration of the dam marks a significant milestone in Ethiopia's ambitions to become a regional energy hub and highlights the country's growing influence in the region.