**Ethiopia Celebrates Completion of Controversial Nile Mega-Dam**

Ethiopia has completed the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, causing significant concern in Egypt and Sudan over water supply implications, as the project seeks to boost energy access for millions.

Ethiopia has officially completed the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile, as confirmed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. This monumental hydroelectric project, which began in 2011 with an investment of approximately $4 billion, stands as Africa's largest of its kind and represents a point of national pride for Ethiopians who see it as crucial for addressing their energy deficits.

In a public address regarding the dam’s completion, Prime Minister Ahmed sought to ease tensions with Egypt and Sudan, emphasizing that the GERD offers not a threat but a shared opportunity for regional growth. "To our neighbours downstream - Egypt and Sudan - our message is clear: the Renaissance Dam is not a threat, but a shared opportunity," he stated, reiterating Ethiopia's willingness to engage in constructive dialogue.

The Nile River is a lifeline for both Egypt and Sudan, with Egypt particularly dependent on its waters for fresh supplies. Concerns persist regarding potential decreases in water flow that could threaten agricultural lands vital for food production in both nations. Historical tensions surrounding the dam intensified when former US President Donald Trump mentioned in 2020 that Egypt had made threats regarding the infrastructure.

In a conciliatory gesture, Ethiopia has extended invitations to both Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Sudan's military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan for the dam’s official inauguration set for this September. Nevertheless, the path to mutual understanding remains fraught with challenges as previous negotiations have yielded limited progress.

More than a mile in length and ascending 145 meters above the Blue Nile in Ethiopia’s northern highlands, the GERD is anticipated to generate crucial energy for the approximately 60% of the Ethiopian populace that currently lacks electricity access. The completion of the dam signals a pivotal moment in regional geopolitics as stakeholders navigate the complex dynamics of water rights and energy needs.