Ethiopia has struggled to build national unity: can its big new dam deliver it?

By Namhla Thando Matshanda, Associate Professor, Department of Political Sciences, University of Pretoria

The formal launch of Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in September 2025 made news across the world. There was pomp and ceremony as Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam was officially inaugurated after 14 years and US$5 billion worth of project work.

The project’s completion fulfils a national dream long in the making. It was formally initiated by the late Meles Zenawi, who served as president of Ethiopia…

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