The Inauguration of the GERD in the Eyes of Foreign Media
Addis Ababa Positions Itself as a Premier Destination for Conference Tourism
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
President Taye Atske Selassie welcomed Massad Boulos, U.S. Senior Advisor for Africa, to the newly renovated National Palace on Thursday (September 18). The two sides discussed a wide range of bilateral matters, including trade and investment, as well as regional matters of importance.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed launched his fourth book, Medemer State, on Tuesday (September 16) in Addis Ababa, presenting it as a continuation of his philosophy of synergy. The event was attended by President Taye Atsekeslassie, senior government leaders, military officials, and representatives from various sectors of society.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held talks with Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor for Africa at the U.S. Department of State, on a wide range of bilateral and regional issues on Wednesday (September 17). The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation and advancing shared interests between Ethiopia and the United States.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) was officially inaugurated on Tuesday (September 9) in Guba, Benishangul-Gumuz region, in a ceremony attended by leaders of neighboring countries, Heads of African Regional and Continental Institutions, Senior government officials, religious leaders, and prominent public figures, among others. The launching ceremony has become a leading international news story, drawing wide coverage from global and regional media outlets, and has been portrayed as both a milestone in African development and a powerful symbol of national achievement. (See article)
Ethiopia is steadily emerging as a hub for conference tourism, with Addis Ababa at the heart of this transformation. The capital has become a central stage for high-profile gatherings, attracting leaders, professionals, and advocates from across the globe. In September alone, Addis Ababa welcomed heads of state and government, as well as leaders of international and regional organizations, for a series of landmark events including UNFCCC Climate Week 2025, the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), and the Second Africa–CARICOM Summit. This growing portfolio of summits underscores the city’s reputation as a preferred destination for international dialogue and cooperation. (See article)
Ethiopian Airlines held a two-day showcase for its new mega international airport project in Bishoftu on Tuesday (September 16), attended by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide, Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew, executives, investors, contractors, and representatives from financing institutions.
Ambassador Hadera Abera, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, received Italian Ambassador to Ethiopia Agostino Palese at his office on Tuesday (September 16). The two sides held discussions on strengthening bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional peace and security matters of mutual interest.
Ambassador Hadera met with Mamadou Dian Balde, UNHCR Regional Director for East and the Horn of Africa and Great Lakes, on Thursday (September 19). The State Minister reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to hosting over one million refugees and strengthening cooperation with UNHCR to address refugee challenges amid rising funding constraints.
Ethiopia has reaffirmed its commitment to cultural diplomacy and international cooperation through an impressive participation at the 11th St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum, held from September 11 to 13, in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation. The high-level Ethiopian delegation, led by Nefisa Almehadi, State Minister of Culture and Sports, engaged in a series of high-impact events aimed at promoting Ethiopia’s diverse cultural heritage and strengthening people-to-people relations between Ethiopia and Russia. (See article)
The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, addressed local and international media on Thursday (September 18) during a press briefing on current national and international issues. He highlighted the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and its diplomatic significance, Ethiopia’s participation in the Second African Climate Summit and the Second Africa-CARICOM Summit, as well as preparations for the upcoming 80th session of the UN General Assembly.
Djibouti
President Ismail Omar Guelleh attended an extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit in Doha on Sunday (September 14). The next day, the President met with the Emir of Qatar, Tamim ben Hamad Al-Thani to hold discussions on matters of mutual interest.
Somalia
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Doha on Sunday (September 14) to attend the Arab-Islamic Summit, where he held bilateral meetings with fellow heads of state. On Monday (September 15), he met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the sidelines of the summit to discuss global and regional issues of mutual interest.
Africa and the African Union
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf welcomed the adoption of a resolution on UN-AU cooperation by the UN General Assembly at its 79th session on Saturday (September 14). The resolution emphasized that enhanced cooperation would advance the principles of the UN Charter and the AU Constitutive Act, as well as support Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Chairperson Youssouf concluded an official mission to Abu Dhabi on Saturday (September 13), where he was received by UAE Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The visit focused on strengthening the UAE–Africa partnership.
The Chairperson received Massad Boulos, U.S. Advisor on African Affairs, at his office on Wednesday (September 17). They discussed matters of shared interest and the renewal of U.S. investments in Africa’s economy.
The Inauguration of the GERD in the Eyes of Foreign Media
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) was officially inaugurated on Tuesday (September 9) in Guba, Benishangul-Gumuz region, in a ceremony attended by leaders of neighboring countries, Heads of African Regional and Continental Institutions, Senior government officials, religious leaders, and prominent public figures, among others. The launching ceremony has become a leading international news story, drawing wide coverage from global and regional media outlets, and has been portrayed as both a milestone in African development and a powerful symbol of national achievement.
China Global Television Network (CGTN) hailed the GERD as “one of Africa’s most audacious feats of engineering,” emphasizing its scale and complexity. Standing 145 meters tall and stretching 1.7 kilometers across the Blue Nile, the dam represents a remarkable achievement in modern hydropower development, stated the outlet.
Notably, CGTN highlighted that the construction of the dam was uniquely financed by Ethiopians themselves, including citizens, civil servants, and members of the diaspora, with no reliance on foreign loans. This approach, according to CGTN, elevated the GERD beyond a hydropower facility, turning it into a symbol of sovereignty and national pride.
Xinhua News Agency focused on the atmosphere of the ceremony, reporting the remarks of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed that the dam would strengthen the national economy by supporting industrial growth, enhance livelihoods, and foster energy cooperation in the region. Bloomberg echoed these sentiments, calling the project a significant boost for Ethiopia’s economy by addressing power shortages and catalyzing growth in the manufacturing sector. The dam’s projected capacity of 5,150 megawatts will boost electricity exports to Kenya, Djibouti, and Sudan, while also better positioning Ethiopia to supply power to Tanzania.
Al Jazeera highlighted Prime Minister Abiy’s vision of the GERD as a “shared opportunity” to promote regional growth and energy security. Similarly, Al Arabiya praised the strategic role of the dam in Ethiopia’s development agenda, pointing out its potential to electrify millions of homes and serve as a sustainable energy source for surrounding nations. The outlet also noted that the financing of the dam, 91% through the central bank of Ethiopia and the rest from public contributions, underscored the nation’s commitment to building with its own resources.
Reuters covered Prime Minister Abiy’s reassurances that the GERD would benefit the entire region by ensuring a stable water supply and helping mitigate climate-related challenges like floods and droughts. The report also highlighted the potential of the dam to expand electricity access to the nearly half of Ethiopians who lacked it as recently as 2022.
German media provided in-depth coverage of the inauguration. ARD, Germany’s leading public broadcaster, called the GERD a “monument of hydropower,” with an output comparable to four nuclear power plants. The report included expert commentary from Nairobi and Cairo, portraying the dam as a key factor in Ethiopia’s emergence as a major energy hub in East Africa. ARD emphasized that Ethiopia had now “created facts on the ground,” pointing to the project’s completion despite diplomatic and financial challenges.
The New Times offered a more reflective perspective, framing the GERD as a testament to African dignity, self-confidence, and ability to shape its own future. The outlet noted that the dam symbolizes the power of an African nation to chart its own path and achieve development through unity and determination.
In North Africa, Morocco’s Medi 1 Radio and Television called the GERD a historic milestone with the potential to transform Ethiopia’s economy. The outlet emphasized the impact of the dam on doubling national power supply, reducing fossil fuel reliance, and boosting job creation and investment.
France 24 portrayed the inauguration as a unifying event in the country. It celebrated the GERD as Africa’s largest hydroelectric project and a beacon of resilience, having been completed entirely through domestic funding. It highlighted the dam’s expected contribution to industrial development and its potential to generate up to $1 billion annually in export revenue.
As global attention turns toward the growing influence of Ethiopia in regional energy dynamics, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam stands not just as an engineering masterpiece but as a symbol of determination, unity, and visionary leadership. Built by the people, the GERD represents a new era in African self-reliance and shared progress.
Addis Ababa Positions Itself as a Premier Destination for Conference Tourism
Ethiopia is steadily emerging as a hub for conference tourism, with Addis Ababa at the heart of this transformation. The capital has become a central stage for high-profile gatherings, attracting leaders, professionals, and advocates from across the globe. In September alone, Addis Ababa welcomed heads of state and government, as well as leaders of international and regional organizations, for a series of landmark events, including UNFCCC Climate Week 2025, the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), and the Second Africa–CARICOM Summit. This growing portfolio of summits underscores the city’s reputation as a preferred destination for international dialogue and cooperation.
Part of Addis Ababa’s appeal lies in its expanding infrastructure and cultural assets. Iconic landmarks such as the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum and the Science Museum, combined with the new Addis International Convention Center and a growing number of international-standard hotels, give the city a unique blend of history, modernity, and convenience. These facilities not only meet the technical needs of global conferences but also offer participants a richer cultural experience. Reflecting this momentum, Ethiopia hosted more than 150 regional, continental, and international conferences during the 2017 Ethiopian Fiscal Year.
Supporting this vision are Ethiopia’s corridor development projects, which are transforming major cities into more accessible and attractive urban centers. By upgrading roads, walkways, and public spaces, these initiatives enhance mobility and create a welcoming atmosphere for international delegates. For participants, this means easier travel between airports, hotels, and venues, along with improved opportunities to experience the cultural and social life of the city beyond the conference halls.
In Addis Ababa, this drive for modernization is most visible in the construction of the Addis International Convention and Exhibition Center (AICC). Designed to host large-scale global gatherings, the AICC is equipped with expansive halls capable of accommodating thousands of participants, as well as smaller meeting spaces for parallel sessions. Together with existing venues such as the African Union and UN Conference Centers, the AICC significantly expands the city’s capacity to host global summits, exhibitions, and trade fairs, positioning Addis Ababa as a competitive hub in the international MICE sector.
The city’s status as the diplomatic capital of Africa further strengthens its natural advantage in conference tourism. Hosting the African Union, the UN Economic Commission for Africa, and more than 130 embassies, Addis Ababa is already a magnet for high-level negotiations and policymaking. This diplomatic presence ensures a steady flow of international visitors, creating consistent demand for advanced conference facilities and hospitality services. Coupled with Ethiopian Airlines’ unrivaled connectivity across Africa and beyond, Addis Ababa is uniquely positioned to harness its diplomatic influence and infrastructural growth, establishing itself as one of the continent’s foremost destinations for conference tourism.
Ethiopia Showcases Heritage and Strengthens Ties at 11th St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum
Ethiopia has reaffirmed its commitment to cultural diplomacy and international cooperation through an impressive participation at the 11th St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum, held from September 11 to 13, in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation. The high-level Ethiopian delegation, led by Nefisa Almehadi, State Minister of Culture and Sports, engaged in a series of high-impact events aimed at promoting Ethiopia’s diverse cultural heritage and strengthening people-to-people relations between Ethiopia and Russia.
In her keynote address at the opening session, State Minister Nefisa highlighted Ethiopia’s unique cultural tapestry as a national asset that fosters unity, resilience, and creativity. She underscored the role of culture as a powerful tool for dialogue, peacebuilding, and global cooperation, stressing Ethiopia’s longstanding belief in the value of international cultural exchange.
As part of the forum, Ethiopia launched a landmark cultural presentation titled “KIN Ethiopia: Ethiopia Rising,” with the Ethiopia Rising Art Troupe staging a vibrant showcase at the iconic Alexandrinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. The troupe, consisting of over 70 performers, captivated audiences with Ethiopia’s traditional music, dance, fashion, and coffee culture, offering a rare window into the nation’s ancient civilization and living traditions.
The celebration of culture continued in Moscow on September 15, with the second leg of the tour held at the prestigious Philharmonic Hall, drawing a diverse audience of diplomats, Russian citizens, members of the Ethiopian diaspora, and international guests. Audiences were warmly welcomed with Ethiopia’s traditional coffee ceremony, adding an authentic and intimate dimension to the evening.
In her remarks at the Moscow event, Nefisa extended Ethiopian New Year greetings and congratulated the Ethiopian people and their friends on the successful completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a symbol of national pride and achievement. The cultural performance paid tribute not only to Ethiopia’s heritage but also acknowledged the cultural richness of the host nation, highlighting mutual respect and shared values between the two countries.
These cultural showcases, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Sports, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, and the Ethiopian Embassy in Moscow, in partnership with Shakura Production, were also part of a broader public diplomacy effort to promote Ethiopia’s image as a cultural and tourism destination.
Ethiopia’s diplomatic outreach in Russia also extended to the field of sports. On the sidelines of the cultural events, State Minister Nefisa held a bilateral meeting with Mikhail Degtyarev, Minister of Sports of the Russian Federation. The two sides reached an agreement to enhance cooperation in various areas, including sports science, athletic training, sports academy administration, and technology transfer.
Minister Degtyarev emphasized that federations in athletics, football, boxing, and aquatic sports would be informed to initiate collaborative programs. Furthermore, Russian universities are expected to provide training opportunities for Ethiopian students, underscoring the long-term educational and institutional aspects of the agreement.
This year’s engagements carry added historical significance as Ethiopia and Russia celebrate over 120 years of diplomatic relations, a partnership marked by shared values of sovereignty, mutual respect, and non-interference. In a press briefing, Ambassador Nebiyu Tedla, Director General of Public Diplomacy at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscored the role of cultural diplomacy in deepening bilateral understanding and fostering enduring people-to-people ties.
Ethiopia’s participation in the 11th St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum, complemented by cultural showcases in St. Petersburg and Moscow and new avenues of cooperation in sports, signals a dynamic and forward-looking phase in Ethio-Russian relations. Through art, culture, and sport, Ethiopia continues to expand its global footprint, using soft power to build bridges and cultivate partnerships grounded in mutual appreciation and shared aspirations.
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