Ethiopia denies Trump claim that US funded Nile mega-dam

Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam Financing

The Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, recently addressed claims regarding the funding of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a $4-billion infrastructure project. The GERD, which spans a tributary of the River Nile, is designed to generate 5,150 megawatts of electricity, positioning it as Africa's largest dam by power capacity.

Contrary to statements suggesting U.S. financial involvement, Prime Minister Abiy clarified that the project did not receive external financial aid or loans. The construction was funded through contributions from Ethiopians, both domestically and within the diaspora.

The GERD construction commenced in 2011. Funding was sourced from Ethiopian taxes and local loans. Webuild, the primary contractor, confirmed the absence of international financial support. The dam's purpose is energy production, with no intention to alter water flow to Egypt.

Egypt considers the GERD an "existential threat" due to its reliance on the Nile for 97% of its water supply. While there have been proposals for renewed negotiations between Egypt and Ethiopia, the latter has not yet responded to mediation efforts.

Based on reporting by Africanews.