By: Sintayehu Tamirat
Ethiopian Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa (PhD) on Monday sends a clear message to Cairo, stressing, “Egypt should join the cooperation among the riparian states, shifting from a colonial-era mindset.”
The statement came as the minister briefed local media on the launch of the 2nd Ethiopian Water and Energy Day on October 27, 2025, and took questions from journalists.
Minister Habtamu emphasized the need for Egypt to come to cooperation by accepting the agreements governing the Nile riparian states. “Cairo should also accept the Cooperative Framework Agreement and show willingness and cooperation for the establishment of the Nile Basin Commission.”
Mentioning the shift among the riparian states in exercising their right to use the Abbay waters for development while abiding by the CFA, Minister Habtamu pointed out that Egypt needs to see what the riparian states are planning to do with the Abbay waters and come to the cooperation venue by deviating from its perennial colonial-era mindsets.
Citing Kenya’s plan to build 50 dams and other riparian states’ similar plans to fairly and equitably use the Abbay water resources, Habtamu said Ethiopia paved the way for other states to follow suit after GERD realization. Ethiopia’s determination and commitment shown with the hydro-diplomacy efforts over the GERD and beyond have come to fruition, testifying that Addis Ababa always fosters regional cooperation and mutual benefit when it comes to the Abbay Waters.
In fact, Addis Ababa has been exporting power to Sudan, Djibouti, and Kenya and will soon start to link to Tanzania. South Sudan also has the plan to purchase power from GERD.
Ethiopia’s commitment to regional growth, primarily fueled by clean energy, was clearly demonstrated by Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh's statement at Monday’s gathering for the 2nd Water and Energy Day.
“Ethiopia is strengthening regional connectivity by being the energy hub of the Horn of Africa. It is supplying renewable energy to Djibouti, Sudan, and Kenya and will soon export to other countries. And the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is the centerpiece of this great dream, a testament to our resilience, unity, and faith in the shared future of Africa,” the Deputy PM said.
In response to queries on the GERD operation, which is within Cairo’s huge interest, Minister Habtamu unwaveringly said, “GERD is ours. We built it so we operate it.”
Ethiopia’s investment and overall undertakings in water resources management and energy development bear lessons for other countries, the minister said, adding that Ethiopia is currently working to reach the total number of citizens accessing safe drinking water to 79 million by the end of June 2026. “In the next five years, 100% of the Ethiopian population will access clean and safe water, per the standards of their respective area. The safe water project is funded by the Ethiopian government, from loans and development partners,” he said.
The second annual Ethiopian Water and Energy Day, which has been launched by the Ethiopian Ministry of Water and Energy in the Science Museum in Addis Ababa, is a grand event of big significance, according to the minister.
Habtamu noted that this second edition of Water and Energy Day will serve as a vital platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue and collaboration, focusing on the theme "Harnessing Water and Clean Energy for Sustainable Growth."
Vital activities during the four-day-long 2nd Ethiopian Water and Energy Day will include, but not be limited to, high-level plenary sessions, technical workshops, an exhibition showcasing innovative technologies and projects and more.
The event has brought together government officials, scientists and industry leaders from water and energy sectors from across the world, academics, researchers, and development partners to celebrate national progress and forge an innovative and sustainable future for Ethiopia and the region’s water and energy sectors.
The second edition of Ethiopian Water and Energy Day is a four-day event open to visitors until October 30, 2025. Various leading local, regional, and international businesses in the water and energy sectors have joined the grand event to showcase their services and products.
