The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is poised to meet Ethiopia's rapidly increasing annual energy demand and is a critical factor in realizing the African Union's continental integration goals, according to Engineer Asheber Balcha, CEO of Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP).

EEP hosted a recognition and appreciation ceremony to honor the institutions and individuals whose contributions ensured the successful completion of the massive hydroelectric project.

Speaking at the event, Engineer Asheber Balcha emphasized that the dam’s completion will play a vital role in achieving Agenda 2063, the African Union's master plan for infrastructure integration across the continent.

He championed the GERD as a national project that proved to the world the Ethiopian spirit of cooperation: "Despite facing numerous challenges, if Ethiopians rise up with cooperation and unity, nothing can stop them from using their natural resources for development and becoming a source of light."

The CEO detailed the dam’s multifaceted impact, noting that its benefits extend beyond power generation. He stated that the GERD has enabled the modernization of agriculture, expanded the tourism sector, and strengthened both diplomatic capacity and national unity within the country.

He affirmed that the dam would be instrumental in helping EEP achieve its mandate to increase national power accessibility coverage and reliably supply the country's growing power needs.

The Chief Executive Officer concluded the program by expressing his gratitude to all Ethiopians who contributed to the construction. He presented certificates and medals to the key individuals and institutions who closely supported the GERD's construction process and contributed to its successful completion.