Africa-Press – Ethiopia. Ferdinand von Weyhe, Chargé d’Affaires of the German Embassy in Addis Ababa, has commended Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as both a symbol of national pride and a catalyst for regional energy integration.
Ethiopia inaugurated GERD last Tuesday in a colorful ceremony in the presence of leaders from Africa and the Caribbean.
In an interview with ENA, Ferdinand von Wyhe, Chargé d’Affaires of the German Embassy in Addis Ababa, described the GERD as a “beacon of hope” for collaboration on clean energy across the Horn of Africa.
He noted the remarkable public support behind the project, emphasizing that contributions from Ethiopians nationwide made the dam a true expression of national unity.
“The GERD is a source of national pride for Ethiopia, but its importance extends beyond borders by advancing Africa’s energy and development goals,” he said.
The German diplomat stressed that GERD will contribute not only to strengthening Ethiopia’s electricity grid but also to enhancing regional power interconnections.
He also underscored the importance of cooperation among riparian states in managing shared water resources.
Ferdinand von Weyhe drew comparisons between the two countries’ energy systems, noting that Germany relies heavily on wind and solar power, while Ethiopia benefits from vast hydropower potential.
“Germany is expanding renewable energy and reducing energy consumption, but Ethiopia has a natural advantage with its hydropower resources,” he observed.
The envoy further outlined ongoing German-Ethiopian cooperation, including German companies participating in biomass research, solar, and biogas.
Such partnerships, he said, are vital for reducing reliance on combustible fuels and accelerating the transition to cleaner energy.
Concluding his remarks, the envoy positioned Ethiopia as a leader in sustainable energy development and reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to partnership.
“The GERD is more than just a national achievement; it is a milestone for regional energy cooperation and a sustainable future for Africa,” he stated.
For More News And Analysis About Ethiopia Follow Africa-Press
