GERD instrumental to improve livelihoods of Africans in the region: KEREA CEO

Addis Ababa, April 12, 2023 (FBC) – Chief Executive Office of Kenya Renewable Energy Association, Andrew Amandi, said the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is what the East African region community is waiting to see.

“Kenya is currently getting green energy from Ethiopia with affordable price. When GERD is completed Kenya will increase its power import because the dam is capable to increase energy production capacity of Ethiopia.” Andrew Amandi.

Kenya can cut down carbon emission by 10pct through importing hydropower from Ethiopia.

“We are eagerly waiting for the project to be completed because it will benefit not only Kenya but the countries of Africa through clean energy supply.”

Africa is currently experiencing huge energy deficit. Therefore, utilization of natural resources for energy production must be given priority by all nations of the country. In this regard, GERD is an exemplary project that would help the continent improve livelihoods of many Africans through power integration, he added.

GERD will not have significant impact on downstream countries. But, its significance is visible. Therefore, collaborative efforts are needed from Africans to defend such projects from negative narratives, and promote production of clean and green energy to meet the growing demand in the continent.

GERD facilitates a good opportunity to create large scale economic integration in the region, Amandi noted. Major social and economic sectors such as agriculture, health and industry need ample energy supply to boom, he said, adding that the construction of GERD should be reinforced towards its successful completion, he added.