"The Great Renaissance Dam is a magnificent story where Ethiopia changed the course of the world," remarked Trevor Noah during a recent episode of his podcast featuring Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley.

In a conversation that revealed a deep appreciation for the project, the former Daily Show host described Ethiopia’s path to completion as a "revolution of self-sufficiency." He highlighted how, when international lenders turned their backs, the Ethiopian people looked inward—funding the multi-billion dollar project through domestic contributions. This, Noah noted, serves as a powerful blueprint for developing nations, proving that greatness can be achieved without the strings of foreign debt.

The discussion emphasized that the dam is far more than a feat of engineering; it is a lifeline for over 130 million people, particularly the millions currently living without electricity. By fueling its industrial growth with clean, renewable energy, Ethiopia is charting a sustainable path forward that respects the environment.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley drew a poignant historical parallel, likening the dam’s completion to the 1896 Battle of Adwa. She noted that just as Ethiopia once stood as a beacon of African independence by defeating a colonial invader, it has now secured a "21st-century Adwa victory" by asserting its economic sovereignty.

Both leaders concluded with a resonant metaphor for the global stage: "If the international community doesn’t give you a seat at the table, you must bring your own folding chair." They agreed that while the global financial system may have denied Ethiopia a seat, the nation has used its own strength to bring its own chair and take its rightful place on the world stage.