The $4-billion dam, built across the Blue Nile near the Sudanese border, has been a source of national pride for Ethiopia and a rare symbol of unity in a country facing deep internal divisions. Constructed by Italian firm Webuild, the dam stands 170 metres tall and stretches nearly two kilometres, with the capacity to generate 5,150 megawatts, more than double Ethiopia’s current output.

“This dam will be remembered as a great achievement not only for Ethiopia, but for all black people,” Abiy said at the ceremony, attended by regional leaders including Kenya’s William Ruto and Somalia’s Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. “I invite all black people to visit the dam. It shows we can achieve anything we plan.”

However, the project has fueled years of diplomatic tensions with Egypt, which relies on the Nile for nearly all of its water. Cairo views GERD as a threat to its water security, with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi calling it an “existential threat.”

Responding to concerns, Abiy said the dam would not hinder development in downstream countries, describing it instead as a “shining example” of African achievement.