AMN Plus-January 30/2026
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has been named Africa’s 2026 Industrial Energy Project of the Year by the African Chamber of Commerce, in recognition of its transformative role in the continent’s development.
The prestigious award acknowledges GERD’s significant contribution to Africa’s industrial growth, regional integration, and long-term energy security.
The honor was received on behalf of Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) by Ambassador Assaye Alemayehu (PhD), Chargé d’Affaires of the Ethiopian Embassy in Ghana.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Mahmoudou Hayatu, Director of the Africa Trade Awards, said the Chamber selected GERD due to its outstanding contribution to Africa’s industrial transformation, regional trade expansion, and cross-border electricity interconnection.
The director emphasized that the dam represents a major investment in power generation capacity and energy security, with far-reaching and lasting impacts on industrial development across the continent. GERD, he noted, also provides a strong foundation for manufacturing, agro-processing, and the development of regional industrial value chains.
In a message shared on the occasion, Ethiopian Electric Power CEO Engineer Ashebir Balcha stated that the award reflects the shared aspiration of African nations to shape their future through their own resources and collective effort.
He added that GERD stands as a living testament to Africa’s ability to envision, construct, and manage large-scale, complex, and globally competitive infrastructure projects for the continent’s shared prosperity.
The project also serves as clear evidence of Ethiopia’s strategic transition toward a green energy–led development pathway, reinforcing the country’s commitment to sustainable growth.
Currently, GERD is playing a pivotal role in powering industries, supporting digital transformation, and strengthening cross-border electricity connectivity in East Africa, positioning Ethiopia as a rising continental energy hub.
According to information from Ethiopian Electric Power, the recognition further underscores Ethiopia’s strong commitment to the successful implementation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, marking a historic milestone that demonstrates Africa’s capacity to drive its industrialization using its own energy resources.
By Birhanu Workneh
