Ethiopia inaugurates Dam, South Sudan to sign power deal

GUBA, Ethiopia (Eye Radio) – Ethiopia has inaugurated a $5 billion dam that took 13 years to build and is designed to generate over 5,000MW of power, setting the stage for South Sudan to sign a power purchase agreement.

During the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on Tuesday, September 9, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir announced plans to sign a power purchase agreement with Ethiopia.

He was joined by fellow African and Caribbean leaders for the official ceremony, which took place in Ethiopia’s Benishangul-Gumuz region.

Speaking at the event, President Kiir hailed the dam as a “symbol of unity, sacrifice, and determination,” adding that it demonstrated what a nation can achieve when its people stand together.

“This dam is not a project but a symbol of unity, sacrifice, and determination. It shows what a nation can do, what a nation can achieve when its people stand together with one vision,” Kiir stated.

The president highlighted the strong bond between the two nations, describing Ethiopia as a brotherly country.

He stated that the dam’s completion will provide South Sudan with a valuable source of power to light up its towns, villages, schools, and hospitals.

“I am also pleased to announce that South Sudan is looking forward to signing an agreement to receive power from the dam,” he said. “This will bring power to our towns, villages, schools, and hospitals and open new opportunities for our people,” Kiir added.

President Kiir concluded his remarks by congratulating the people of Ethiopia on their achievement.