Ethiopia has officially inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a $5 billion hydroelectric project on the Blue Nile, marking a significant milestone for the country's economic aspirations and energy independence. The largest hydropower project in Africa, the inauguration ceremony was attended by several regional leaders.

• The GERD is designed to generate 5,150 megawatts of electricity, with four turbines currently producing 1,550 MW.
• The commemorative plaques were unveiled by Kenya's President William Ruto and Djibouti's President Ismail Omar Guelleh, alongside Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
• Despite concerns from Egypt over potential impacts on Nile water flow, Ethiopia asserts the dam's phased filling, completed in 2024, was managed to avoid harm downstream, with independent studies finding no major disruptions so far due to favourable rainfall and gradual filling.
• The project was primarily financed domestically through bond sales and fundraising, symbolizing Ethiopia's national sovereignty and self-reliance.