Addis Ababa, June 6, 2026 – Officials and academics have confirmed that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is not limited to providing a reliable source of energy to neighboring countries, but also represents a strategic tool for enhancing regional integration and strengthening cooperation among countries in the Horn of Africa region.
These affirmations came during the proceedings of the Fourth International Research Conference organized by Assosa University, which was dedicated to discussing ways to benefit from the project in promoting regional cooperation and achieving sustainable development in the Nile River basin.
During a scientific paper presented at the conference, the Director General for African Affairs at the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam represents a strategic project that goes beyond direct national benefits, pointing to its ability to contribute to addressing energy gaps in neighboring countries and enhancing shared interests based on mutual development.
He added that the project provides an opportunity to build regional partnerships based on economic integration and developmental cooperation, contributing to stability and shared prosperity among the countries of the region.
The Director General called on academic institutions and researchers to intensify scientific studies and evidence-based research aimed at supporting Ethiopia’s legitimate and fair right to benefit from the resources of the Nile River.
He also emphasized the important role that researchers can play in confronting what he described as inaccurate information and claims not based on scientific facts, by presenting objective studies grounded in data and realities.
He noted that Assosa University, due to its geographical proximity to the dam site, has a unique opportunity to lead research efforts related to the project and highlight its economic, social, and environmental dimensions, in addition to clarifying its contribution to supporting regional development and enhancing the utilization of clean energy.
For his part, the President of Assosa University confirmed that ongoing efforts are being made to ensure that local communities living in the areas surrounding the dam benefit from the economic and social transformations brought about by the project.
He explained that relevant institutions are working to enhance development opportunities and improve the living conditions of local residents to ensure direct and sustainable benefits for the communities affected by the project.
The conference saw the participation of researchers and experts from Africa and Europe through virtual sessions, where international expertise and experiences were exchanged in the fields of shared water resource management and river basin development.
The participants affirmed that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam represents a model for sustainable and fair utilization of transboundary water resources and can contribute to enhancing regional cooperation and developing mechanisms for joint management of natural resources to serve the interests of the peoples of the region.
Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam
Assosa University
Nile River
Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam
Assosa University
Nile River
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