By Horn Africa News
ADDIS ABABA – Kenyan President William Ruto has arrived in Ethiopia to attend the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), scheduled for September 9, 2025.
Speaking upon arrival in Addis Ababa, Ruto described the GERD as “a symbol of Africa’s self-reliance,” noting that Kenya has already benefited from affordable electricity imported from Ethiopia.
The multi-billion-dollar project, Africa’s largest hydropower dam, holds immense significance for the region. However, it has faced fierce opposition from Egypt and Sudan, which fear the dam will negatively impact their share of Nile River waters.
During his stay in Ethiopia, Ruto will also take part in the second Africa Climate Summit and witness the signing of the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is among the leaders attending the climate summit in Addis Ababa. However, it remains unclear whether he will join the GERD inauguration, as doing so could spark diplomatic tensions with Egypt and risk straining Somalia’s bilateral relations with Cairo.
