Professor Advocates for Enhanced Cooperation Among Nile Basin Countries for Hydropower Development

Addis Ababa — Cooperation among Nile Basin countries in constructing additional hydropower projects is crucial for regional development, according to Water and Environmental Engineering Professor Esayas Alemayehu. In an exclusive interview with the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), the professor from Jimma University, who also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the Africa Centre of Excellence for Water Management, highlighted the region’s challenges, including limited capacity to exploit and manage resources efficiently.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, Ethiopia’s experience with the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) serves as a model for neighboring countries, showcasing the ability to undertake significant projects independently. He emphasized the GERD’s construction as a monumental effort by Ethiopians, symbolizing national pride and overcoming substantial challenges at both international and regional levels. Esayas urged for greater collaboration among Nile Basin countries to realize more hydropower initiatives, underlining the essential role of such projects in advancing the region’s development. He noted the importance of energy for various sectors, including agriculture, food security, technology, and industry, and pointed out Ethiopia’s continued efforts to supply power to neighboring countries as part of regional power integration projects.