Ethiopia has completed the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a project celebrated as a generational achievement. The dam, which took 14 years to build, is now a milestone for both Ethiopia and Africa.
A Generational Victory
Government officials described the GERD as proof of what Ethiopians can achieve when united. They said, “The construction of the GERD was successfully accomplished through a collective effort.”
Observers noted that the journey was not easy. The project faced many challenges, but Ethiopia’s resilience carried it through. Some compared the achievement to the Victory of Adwa, a historic moment of Ethiopian independence.
More Than Infrastructure
The GERD is more than just a dam. It has become a symbol of Africa’s renaissance. Leaders stressed that it represents turning frustration into action and proving that nothing is impossible when people work together.
Officials said, “It is a monument of Africa’s resurgence, built with its own capacity.” The dam’s completion is being framed as the start of a new era for Ethiopia and the continent.
Diaspora Support Recognized
To mark the achievement, the Ethiopian Embassy in Kenya held a celebration on September 6, just before the Ethiopian New Year. The event brought together members of the Ethiopian diaspora who supported the project financially.
Over 14 years, Ethiopians in Kenya purchased bonds worth more than $700,000 to fund the GERD. At the event, the embassy awarded certificates to citizens and friends of Ethiopia who contributed.
Deputy Head of Mission, Ambassador Demeke Atnafu, praised their dedication. He said, “We are here to celebrate the completion of the GERD and to recognize the diaspora and friends of Ethiopia who made this possible.”
A New Dawn for Africa
With its completion, the GERD now stands as a symbol of unity, progress, and hope. For Ethiopia, it is a generational victory. For Africa, it is a statement of what is possible through self-reliance and determination.
