Ethiopia Inaugurates Grand Renaissance Dam, Africa’s Largest Hydropower Project
Ethiopia Successfully Hosts the Second Africa Climate Summit
Second Africa-CARICOM Summit Held in Addis Ababa, Reinforcing Africa-Caribbean Ties
TICAD 9 Summit Convenes in Yokohama
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
Ethiopia officially inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Africa’s largest hydroelectric project, on Tuesday (September 9), in Guba, Benishangul-Gumuz region. (See article)
The Second Africa Climate Summit was held from September 8-10, at Addis International Convention Center, in Addis Ababa, hosted by the Government of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in collaboration with the Africa Union Commission. The Summit which convened under the theme of “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development” brought together Heads of State and Government, ministers, diplomats of African Union Member States, international partners, representatives of Civil Society Organizations and other participants. (See article)
The second Africa-CARICOM Summit was held in Addis Ababa from September 6–7 at the African Union Commission, reinforcing stronger ties between Africa and the Caribbean region. (See article)
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed speaking at the opening of the Second Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa on Monday (September 8), proposed the launch of an African Climate Innovation Compact to unite universities, research institutions, startups, rural communities, and innovators across the continent. He emphasized that Africa should attract investment for visionary solutions rather than aid.
Prime Minister Abiy conferred with Angola’s President João Lourenço, Chair of the African Union, on Sunday (September 7) on the sidelines of the Second Africa-CARICOM Summit in Addis Ababa. They discussed bilateral and regional matters, reaffirming their mutual commitment to continental progress.
Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos met with his counterparts from The Bahamas and Grenada on Sunday (September 7) on the sidelines of the Second Africa-CARICOM Summit in Addis Ababa. He and Bahamian Foreign Minister Frederick Audley Mitchell Jr. signed an agreement establishing formal diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and The Bahamas. In discussions with Grenadian Foreign Minister Joseph Andall, Gedion highlighted the importance of translating historical Africa-Caribbean ties into practical cooperation in health, diplomacy, human resource development, aviation, and other areas of shared interest.
TICAD 9 Summit convened from August 20–22 in Yokohama, Japan. Ethiopia’s delegation, led by Minister of Industry Melaku Alebel and including State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Hadera Abera, attended the Summit and engaged in extensive bilateral discussions with Japanese and international partners to strengthen relationships and explore new opportunities. The meeting was co-chaired by the President of Angola, current Chairperson of the African Union, and the Prime Minister of Japan. More than 33 Heads of State and Government and other delegations attended the Summit. (See article)
An Ethiopian delegation led by Ambassador Hadera participated virtually in the BRICS Leaders Summit on Monday (September 8). Convened at the initiative of Brazil’s President Lula da Silva, the meeting focused on multilateralism, collective security, and global cooperation. Ambassador Hadera reaffirmed Ethiopia’s support for the UN-centered multilateral system, the peaceful resolution of conflicts, and the importance of national and regional ownership of peace processes.
Senior government officials at Bole International Airport warmly received the heads of State and Government, as well as representatives from international and regional organizations, who attended the Second Africa-CARICOM Summit, the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), and the Second Africa Climate Summit.
A high-level Ethiopian delegation led by State Minister of Culture and Sports Nefisa Almehedi is participating in the 11th St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum, taking place from September 11–13 in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Djibouti
President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh attended the Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa and the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, during his visit to Ethiopia.
Kenya
President William Ruto of Kenya took part in the Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa and joined the inauguration ceremony of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam during his visit to Ethiopia.
Somalia
Prime Minister Abiy met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Wednesday (September 10) to discuss common regional interests, reaffirming their commitment to fostering stability, security, and development across the region.
President Mohamud participated in the Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa and joined the inauguration ceremony of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam during his visit to Ethiopia.
South Sudan
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed President Salva Kiir Mayardit to his office for bilateral discussions on Wednesday (September 10). The two leaders explored ways to strengthen cooperation and advance shared priorities between their nations.
President Kiir joined fellow heads of State and Government on Tuesday (September 9) for the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Africa and the African Union
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf took part in the Second Africa-CARICOM Summit, the Second Africa Climate Summit, and the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in Ethiopia.
Ethiopia Inaugurates Grand Renaissance Dam, Africa’s Largest Hydropower Project
Ethiopia officially inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Africa’s largest hydroelectric project, on Tuesday (September 9), in Guba, Benishangul-Gumuz region.
The inauguration took place in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and senior Ethiopian officials, alongside international dignitaries including Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, President of Djibouti; Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of South Sudan; Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of Somalia; William Samoei Ruto, President of Kenya; Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados; Russell Mmiso Dlamini, Prime Minister of Eswatini. Also present were the Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Claver Gatete, the Executive Secretary of IGAD, Workneh Gebeyehu, religious leaders, and other high-ranking officials.
In his keynote address, Prime Minister Abiy described the GERD as the biggest mega project in the history of the Black people and a turning point not only for Ethiopia but also for Africa, likening the inauguration to Ethiopia’s historic victory at Adwa. The prime minister emphasized that Ethiopia built the dam not to harm downstream countries but to prosper together, light up the region, and change the history of Black peoples.
The Prime Minister announced that the dam’s vast reservoir, named Nigat Lake (Dawn Lake), symbolizes Ethiopia’s awakening from deep poverty and darkness. He noted that the reservoir has already stored 74 billion cubic meters of water. Abiy also shared future plans, including a nuclear plant for peaceful purposes, the expansion of Ethiopian Airlines, the opening of a gas plant and a petroleum refinery, a fertilizer factory, and the construction of 1.5 million houses within 5-6 years. He urged Ethiopians and Africans alike to brace for the heavy tasks ahead and unite to accelerate prosperity.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley praised Ethiopia’s achievement, stating that the GERD proves what is possible when nations work together. She called for unity and solidarity, underscoring that “we shall be the humanizing element that the world needs now more than ever,” while affirming the shared vision of one aim, one purpose, and one destiny.
Kenyan President William Ruto hailed the GERD as a historic achievement, not only for Ethiopia but for Africa. He described the project as a bold demonstration of African capacity to shape its destiny, manage resources, and deliver transformative infrastructure. He emphasized that the GERD is a pan-African statement aligned with the African Union’s vision of continental energy connectivity, and reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to regional cooperation, energy integration, and Nile Basin dialogue based on equity and mutual respect.
Djibouti’s President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh commended the GERD as an extraordinary African project that symbolizes victory for Ethiopia’s friends and neighbors. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud highlighted that the GERD will foster regional partnership and prosperity, stressing that all countries in the Horn of Africa can only thrive when they act as a community.
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit congratulated Ethiopia on the achievement and emphasized the dam’s regional importance. “We believe that the progress of one nation is the progress of all,” he said, stressing that countries in the regionmust work together to turn challenges into opportunities for peace and stability. He further announced that South Sudan is looking forward to signing an agreement to receive power from the GERD.
Chairperson of the African Union Commission noted that the GERD is the result of decades of dedication and visionary leadership, adding that its core purpose of providing green energy will benefit both Ethiopia and its neighbors.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, built on the Abay River, is Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam with an installed capacity exceeding 5,000 megawatts. Constructed without international financing, it was funded largely by contributions from Ethiopians through bond purchases and donations. After 14 years of immense sacrifice, the GERD stands as a symbol of self-reliance and resilience.
Ethiopia Successfully Hosts the Second Africa Climate Summit
The Second Africa Climate Summit was held from September 8-10, at Addis International Convention Center, in Addis Ababa, hosted by the Government of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in collaboration with the Africa Union Commission. The Summit which convened under the theme of “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development” brought together Heads of State and Government, ministers, diplomats of African Union Member States, international partners, representatives of Civil Society Organizations and other participants.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during his opening address stressed that “Too often, Africa’s story at climate summits starts with what we lack, finance, technology, and time.” He added “Let’s start instead with what we have:-The youngest population in the world, bursting with creativity and innovation; the fastest-growing solar belt on Earth; the planet’s last great carbon vaults, our forests, wetlands, and coast; vast arable land capable of feeding a growing continent and beyond.”
The Prime Minister pointed out that Ethiopia launched Green Legacy Initiative in 2019 and has so far planted 48 billion seedlings. The Prime Minister also announced Ethiopia’s bid to host COP32 in 2027 and his initiative to establish Africa Climate Innovation Compact (ACIC) & Africa Climate Facility (ACF).
During his keynote address, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, underlined “climate finance must be fair, significant, and predictable.” He stressed “The vulnerability of our member countries, exacerbated by climate change, debt burdens, and structural inequalities in the global financial system, must be addressed through climate justice and genuine cooperation.”
More than 25,000 participants including heads of state and government, ministers, representatives of the civil society, development partners, private sectors, local community and indigenous peoples, farmers, youth, and academia, joined the Summit and engaged in intensive and lively discussions aimed at charting out Africa’s climate resilient development. 23 pavilions hosted interactive debates by thousands of participants from African countries and beyond. More than 43 exhibitions showcased innovations and commitments for green growth and low-carbon development. 240 mandated and official side events focused largely on African-led climate solutions and explored innovative solutions.
At the conclusion of the Summit the leaders adopted African Leaders’ Addis Ababa Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action. The leaders acclaimed Prime Minister Abiy for “his dedication to environmental stewardship that is exemplified by the Green Legacy Initiative, a home grown response that has mobilized millions across Ethiopia to plant billions of trees, restore degraded landscapes, and inspire a continental movement towards ecological renewal.”
The establishment of the Africa Climate Innovation Compact (ACIC) & Africa Climate Facility (ACF), at the initiative of PM Abiy, have been included in the African Leaders Addis Ababa Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action. The leaders committed to operationalizing the Compact and the Facility. The Compact has the plan to mobilize 50 billion USD per annum in catalytic financing through the Facility to fund 1000 continental projects in energy, agriculture, water, transport, and resilience by 2030.
The leaders commended African-led climate Initiatives such as the African Union Great Green Wall Initiative, the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative and the Ethiopian Green Legacy Initiative, calling for strengthened and sustained support to the Initiatives through the Green Climate Fund.
The leaders stressed that adaptation finance is the legal obligation of the developed world and it must be delivered in concessional financing not to exacerbate Africa’s debt burden. The deal to operationalize the long anticipated African Climate Change Fund, to be supported by the African Development Bank, through green bonds and innovative financing instruments attuned to Africa’s realities was announced. Deals of billions of Dollars reached on the margins of the Summit.
The Summit concluded its deliberations by adopting African Leaders’ Addis Ababa Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action. Commissioner Bankole Adoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs and Peace and Security at the African Union delivered closing remarks on behalf of Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission. The Summit was officially concluded by a closing remarks by President Taye Atseke Selassie, who lauded the Summit for successfully achieving its targets.
Second Africa-CARICOM Summit Held in Addis Ababa, Reinforcing Africa-Caribbean Ties
The second Africa-CARICOM Summit was held in Addis Ababa from September 6–7 at the African Union Commission, reinforcing stronger ties between Africa and the Caribbean region.
The historic first in-person Summit, convened under the theme “Transcontinental Partnership in Pursuit of Reparatory Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations”, brought together African and Caribbean Heads of State and delegations to deliberate on strengthening historic bonds and advancing cooperation in shared areas of interest.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in his welcoming remarks, highlighted the fraternal ties between the two regions and called for the spirit of Medemer (synergy) to guide Africa and the Caribbean toward a dignified and prosperous future.
“Geography may have placed us apart, but history has bound us together,” Prime Minister Abiy stated. “Let us free ourselves from the language of recovering, of being called ‘developing’. Let the waters that once divided us now unite us in dignity and prosperity. Our experience, guided by the spirit of Medemer, together with our collective innovations in energy, agriculture, digital technology, and knowledge, can be a bridge linking Africa and the Caribbean in shared prosperity.”
Heads of State, government representatives, and delegates held extensive discussions on reparatory justice, people-to-people relations, economic and trade partnerships, health, and education. They also committed to closer collaboration on global issues, including peace and security, reform of international financial institutions and the United Nations Security Council, and climate change.
Speaking at the event, Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos emphasized that the Summit aligns with the African Union’s designation of 2025 as the “Year of Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.” He noted that this reflects a unified continental vision to address the legacies of slavery, colonialism, and apartheid, and to make reparatory justice a cornerstone of Africa’s global engagement. Ethiopia, he added, reaffirms its commitment to supporting the development and implementation of a coordinated, action-oriented framework for reparatory justice.
The Summit concluded with the adoption of two outcome documents: a joint communiqué and the Addis Ababa Declaration on Transcontinental Partnership in Pursuit of Reparations and Reparatory Justice for Africans and People of African Descent.
The gathering followed commitments made earlier this year between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados on the margins of the 38th AU Assembly.
The first in-person Summit brought together Heads of State, high-level dignitaries, representatives of international organizations, diplomatic missions, the African diaspora, and people of African descent from both regions. It was chaired by João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of Angola and Chairperson of the African Union, and Dr. Terrance Michael Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis and incoming Chair of CARICOM.
Ethiopia hosted the Summit in collaboration with the African Union Commission and CARICOM. The inaugural Africa-CARICOM Summit was held virtually on September 7, 2021, hosted by the Government of Kenya, which also declared September 7 as Africa-CARICOM Day.
TICAD 9 Summit Convenes in Yokohama
TICAD 9 Summit convened from August 20–22 in Yokohama, Japan. Ethiopia’s delegation, led by Minister of Industry Melaku Alebel and including State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Hadera Abera, attended the Summit and engaged in extensive bilateral discussions with Japanese and international partners to strengthen relationships and explore new opportunities. The meeting was co-chaired by the President of Angola, current Chairperson of the African Union, and the Prime Minister of Japan. More than 33 Heads of State and Government and other delegations attended the Summit.
The Summit marked a pivotal moment in the enduring partnership between Japan and Africa. Building on the outcomes of TICAD 8, TICAD 9 convened under the theme of “Co-create innovative solutions with Africa.” The Summit discussed three thematic issues: Society, Peace and Stability, and Economy, while emphasizing cross-cutting issues such as connectivity, gender and youth inclusion, public-private partnerships, and global governance reform. TICAD 9 highlighted the importance of cooperation, technology-driven, and home-grown solutions to accelerate Africa’s transformation into a more prosperous, integrated, and peaceful continent. The Summit aimed to accelerate the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals as well as Agenda 2030 and to collaborate on achieving Africa’s aspirations in line with the African Union’s long-term development vision, including Agenda 2063 and its Second 10-Year Implementation Plan.
The Plenary Session on Peace and Stability examined how to support Africa’s efforts in preventing and resolving conflicts, grounded in the promotion of the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus. It addressed issues related to global governance, UN Security Council reform, good governance, the roles of women and youth, and Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) and Peace Support Operations (PSO) in Africa.
The Plenary Session on Economy examined strategies to strengthen industrialization and economic diversification through collaboration with the private sector and to build a sustainable, inclusive, private sector-driven industrial ecosystem that boosts domestic resource mobilization. Focus was placed on supporting a free, open, and fair trade and investment environment and improving connectivity within and beyond the continent. The session also addressed the transformative potential of digital innovation, the importance of debt management, and the promotion of sustainable natural resource use.
The Plenary Session on Society explored strategies to strengthen health systems and promote Universal Health Coverage (UHC), addressing the importance of improving access to clean water, sanitation, and waste management. The session further highlighted the need to expand access to quality education at all levels, as well as the necessity of environmental protection from the perspective of maintaining biodiversity and resilience. It also examined how inclusive, people-centered strategies and cultural exchange and creative collaboration reinforce one another.
On the sidelines of the Summit, the Ethiopian delegation attended discussions across all three pillars and encouraged major Japanese companies to invest in Ethiopia through one-to-one meetings and by organizing a joint investment seminar.
Since its inception in 1993, the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) has served as a dynamic platform for cooperation led by African nations, in alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN 2030 Agenda. It has consistently brought together African leaders, Japan, and international partners to advance peace, security, sustainable development, and inclusive growth, while fostering stronger and more enduring partnerships for the future.
Ethiopia’s delegation held extensive meetings with senior Japanese officials, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the State Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Executive Vice President of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), and the Mayor of Yokohama City. These discussions underscored Ethiopia’s commitment to building a future-oriented partnership with Japan.
During the exchanges, the delegation emphasized that the Government of Ethiopia is implementing strong macroeconomic reform programs, presenting wide-ranging opportunities for collaboration. The delegation reaffirmed Ethiopia’s steadfast commitment to working closely with Japan in building a shared and prosperous future, while also encouraging Japanese private companies to invest in Ethiopia across diverse sectors, further strengthening the partnership between the two nations.
The Japanese side expressed admiration for Ethiopia’s development journey and pledged to continue supporting the country’s socio-economic transformation through development assistance and investment. They also highlighted Ethiopia’s strategic role in the region and its significant potential for trade and investment, underlining the importance of further strengthening bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of both countries.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation across a broad spectrum, including development assistance, technical support, capacity building, trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges. These commitments lay a solid foundation for an even brighter future together and demonstrate the growing strength of Ethiopia–Japan relations. The interactions not only elevated the partnership but also reinforced the shared vision of development, peace, and security.
In meetings with Japanese private businesses, the Ethiopian delegation stressed that Ethiopia is at a pivotal stage in its economic journey. The government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for business and investment remains unwavering. The delegation called on Japanese companies to seize this moment and position themselves as key partners in Ethiopia’s development path, further solidifying the partnership between Ethiopia and Japan. Company representatives acknowledged Ethiopia’s vast growth potential and agreed that the time is ripe to take advantage of the expanding trade and investment opportunities. These engagements, combined with the Ethiopia–Japan Business and Investment Forum held on the sidelines of TICAD 9 in Yokohama, are expected to further enhance the already strong economic relationship between the two nations.
As part of TICAD 9’s conclusion, Ethiopia’s delegation also took part in the inauguration of a road named in honor of Ethiopian legend athlete Abebe Bikila in Kasama City, Japan. This symbolic act pays tribute to Bikila’s triumph at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, which brought pride to Ethiopia and created a lasting bond with the people of Japan. The gesture reflects the depth of friendship between the two nations and strengthens their shared future.
Additionally, the delegation visited the site of the 2025 Osaka Expo and explored the Ethiopian pavilion, which showcased the nation’s agricultural and industrial products alongside its rich cultural heritage. Ambassador Hadera used the occasion to engage with visitors, highlighting Ethiopia’s cultural and historical connections with Japan while presenting opportunities for future collaboration in both economic and cultural spheres. He encouraged visitors to explore Ethiopia’s exhibit to gain a deeper understanding of the country’s history, cultural diversity, and development aspirations, reinforcing the growing partnership between Ethiopia and Japan.
Leave Your Comments Here