The GranHere is a cleaned, grammatically corrected, and standard news-style version of your text. I have removed duplication, improved flow, and maintained an authoritative media tone while preserving all key factsd Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has been officially named Africa’s “Industrial Energy Project of the Year” for 2026 by the African Business Council. The prestigious award ceremony took place on the evening of January 29, 2026, at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel in Accra, Ghana.
The recognition underscores the dam’s monumental significance as a continental-scale industrial energy powerhouse and a cornerstone of Africa’s long-term energy transformation.

Representing Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP), the award was received by H.E. Ambassador Dr. Asaye Alemayehu, Acting Head of Mission at the Ethiopian Embassy in Ghana. The high-level event brought together heads of state, government ministers, industry leaders, diplomats, and prominent figures from across the continent.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mahamudu Hayatu, Director of the Africa Business Awards at the African Business Council, said the decision to honor the GERD was based on its substantial contribution to Africa’s industrial transformation and its role in promoting regional trade and electrical integration. He highlighted the project as a strategic investment that enhances power generation capacity while strengthening long-term energy security.

Mr. Mahamudu further noted that the dam provides a foundation for large-scale manufacturing, agro-processing, and industrial value chains, making a significant contribution to sustainable economic development across the continent.

In a message delivered through the Ethiopian Embassy, Engineer Ashebir Balcha, CEO of Ethiopian Electric Power, stated that the award reflects a shared African ambition to build the continent’s future through indigenous resources and collective effort. He emphasized that the GERD demonstrates Africa’s ability to conceive, construct, and manage complex, world-class infrastructure projects for shared prosperity.

The CEO also described the project as living proof of Ethiopia’s strategic shift toward green, energy-led development. By harnessing renewable hydropower, Ethiopia is showing that economic growth, industrialization, and environmental protection can advance hand in hand. Currently, the GERD serves as a regional energy hub—powering industries, supporting digital transformation, and strengthening cross-border interconnections through the Eastern Africa Power Pool.

The recognition further highlights Ethiopia’s commitment to the African Union’s Agenda 2063, positioning the GERD as a historic milestone that signals Africa’s capacity to power its own industries through its own strength.