Dr. Aregawi Berhe, Director General of the Office, disclosed the figures during a briefing this week, emphasizing that the massive infrastructure project has been achieved without external aid or foreign loans over the past 14 years. “We have reached this milestone through our own efforts, grounded in the cultural, moral, and financial commitment of Ethiopians,” he said.
GERD has galvanized nationwide participation, with citizens contributing through bond purchases, public campaigns, and diplomatic engagement. Over 23 billion Br has been raised and allocated to the project, reflecting a culture of savings rarely seen at this scale, according to project officials.
Dr. Aregawi likened the project to a modern-day “Adwa,” symbolizing national resilience and self-reliance. He underscored that GERD’s impact extends beyond hydropower, marking a historical achievement that has redefined Ethiopia’s image and ambitions on the international stage.
Once fully operational, the dam is expected to generate over 6,000MW of electricity, positioning Ethiopia as a regional energy hub.
The final completion phase is expected within the coming months.