Ethiopia has increased water flow from its Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile, in a move likely to benefit downstream countries.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the development in a social media post, describing it as “good news” for countries in the lower Abbay (Blue Nile) basin, particularly Sudan and Egypt.
Mr Abiy said the dam’s spillways have been opened, releasing an additional 2,800 cubic metres of water per second. This is on top of the river’s regular, uninterrupted flow.
“The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow, mitigating flood risks, and ensuring that downstream nations receive a steady supply of water, particularly during droughts,” Mr Abiy stated.
He added that the carefully regulated release would “significantly enhance agricultural productivity, boost power generation, and improve resource utilisation throughout the region”.
The GERD, Africa’s largest hydroelectric project, has been a source of tension between Ethiopia and its downstream neighbours, who have expressed concerns about potential water restrictions.
However, Ethiopian officials, including the prime minister, stress the project’s potential to benefit the entire Nile basin through better water management.
Experts say the controlled release could indeed have positive impacts on farming, electricity production and resource use across the region.
The Blue Nile joins the White Nile in Sudan to form the Nile, which then flows through Egypt to the Mediterranean.
The announcement comes as the dam, which began generating electricity in 2022, continues to be filled. Ethiopia sees the project as crucial for its economic development, while Egypt and Sudan have sought guarantees about water flow.
This latest development may be seen as a gesture of goodwill from Ethiopia, potentially easing regional tensions over the dam’s operation.
