South Sudan to Sign Power Supply Deal with Ethiopia

By Awan Achiek

South Sudan on Tuesday revealed plans to sign a power agreement with Ethiopia to access electricity from the just-inaugurated Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

South Sudan’s Ministry of Information and Communication said in a statement  posted on their official Facebook page that the country is looking forward to signing an agreement with Ethiopia to import electricity generated by the GERD.

President Salva Kiir Mayardit made the announcement on Tuesday while addressing the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

“We plan to sign an agreement to receive power from this great dam, which will bring electricity to our towns, villages, schools, and hospitals—opening new doors of opportunity for our people,” Kiir said.

Kiir described the dam as more than a national project, calling it a beacon of unity, resilience, and shared aspirations.

“This dam is more than just a project. It is a symbol of unity, sacrifice, and determination. It shows what a nation can achieve when its people stand together with one vision. This is a proud day for Ethiopia and for our entire region.”

The president praised the government and people of Ethiopia for the official opening of the Grand Renaissance Dam.

For his part, Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, Ethiopian Prime Minister, said that his South Sudanese counterparts are not just neighbours but brothers and sisters.

“We share history, friendship, and a common future,” Dr. Ahmed said.

Addis Ababa will export 100 megawatts of electric power to Juba in an initial three-year period, followed by a further 400 megawatts over the next three years, according to Ethiopian Electric Power, a state-owned electricity producer.

Ethiopia inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam along the Blue Nile on Tuesday in a ceremony attended by various heads of state and government.

The dam is expected to produce more than 5,000 megawatts, doubling Ethiopia’s current output, part of which will be exported to neighbouring countries.

The dam, whose construction began in 2011, has raised concerns from neighbouring Egypt and Sudan over the potential reduction of water levels downstream.

Despite the formation of a joint panel to discuss the sharing of the Blue Nile water, tensions remain high, and some, like Egypt, have termed the move a security risk, stating it could lead to drought downstream.

However, Ethiopia insists that the towering dam will not only benefit its more than 100 million people but also its neighbours and views it as an opportunity to become Africa’s leading electricity exporter.