Wednesday (February 23rd): Abiy Ahmed Powers Up 

Abiy-Ahmed - Ethiopia
Abiy Ahmed

Name? Abiy Ahmed

Westphalian identity? Ethiopian 

Age?  45

Why is he in the news? Recently Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), starting its electricity production. The dam’s construction started in 2011 and has since been a revelation to Ethiopia’s aspirations to be a regional powerhouse. Only one of thirteen turbines is producing electricity, but will have all working in 2024 after completion. 

Why do we care? Since its conception, the dam has put Ethiopia at odds with neighbours Sudan and Egypt. Considering Abiy Ahmed’s reluctance to enter talks, let alone come to an agreement with his neighbours, tensions will inevitably worsen as Egypt and Sudan’s Blue Nile water flows diminish. President Al-Sisi of Egypt has claimed that Egypt has a historical right to the Nile’s water, and as Abiy Ahmed threatens this right, the prospects for a security crisis in East Africa increases by the hour.

Why should you care? At full functionality the dam has the capability to double Ethiopia’s electricity production, which it plans to export. Though Abiy is trying to alleviate the suffering in his own country through electrical infrastructure, he’s doing so at the cost of water security for Egyptian and Sudanese populations. Therefore you should care 7/10 about the GERD inauguration potentially adding to the humanitarian crises in the region.

Who else cares? Kenyan President Kenyatta was the first African leader to tap into Ethiopia’s electricity exports. Nairobi and Addis Ababa are in talks to formalise an agreement for Kenya to start receiving electricity exports from Ethiopia. Though the demand has just started, it is only a matter of time until other African leaders inquire to Abiy about receiving electricity. 

Any further comments? The Tigray conflict, lack of commitment to GERD negotiations, and a border conflict with Sudan have all hurt Abiy’s credibility internationally. However, the dam’s electricity production may be a way for Abiy to sell not only electricity, but influence around Africa and even Europe.