A Symbol of African Self-Reliance: The most prominent and compelling theme is the GERD as a powerful example of an African nation funding and completing a monumental project without foreign debt or support. President Ruto of Kenya’s speech encapsulates this best, stating, “Building such a great project without debt, without borrowing and without support from others makes us believe African can take charge of its own destiny.” This challenges a common narrative of African development and offers a new model for the continent.
Regional Unity and Cooperation: The speeches from all three leaders emphasize that the GERD is not merely an Ethiopian project but a regional asset.
- President Kiir of South Sudan calls it a “symbol of unity” and a “proud day for… our region,” and announces South Sudan’s plan to access power from the GERD.
- The President of Somalia highlights the “shared responsibilities we all carry for our people.”
- President Ruto of Kenya calls it a “Pan-African statement” that will “unite our nation across the Horn of Africa and wider Nile basin.”
Blueprint for the Future of Africa: President Ruto’s speech positions the GERD as a “blueprint” for other African countries, demonstrating that large-scale infrastructure projects can be achieved through local capacity and resources. This provides a strong, positive outlook for future development across the continent.
Commitment to Clean Energy: President Ruto’s specific mention of Kenya’s commitment to a 100% clean energy mix by 2030 and how the GERD will help achieve this goal provides a tangible, forward-looking element to the story, framing the dam not just as a national project but as a contributor to broader regional and continental climate goals.
An Adwa engineering fit: Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados drew a direct parallel between the dam’s completion and the historic Battle of Adwa. She described the GERD as an “Adwa of engineering fit,” likening the dam’s construction to Ethiopia’s legendary victory during the colonial Era.
