The dam, whose construction began in 2011 and was completed after nine years, cost $5 billion and has the capacity to generate 5.15 gigawatts of electricity, placing it among the top 20 largest dams in the world. its the biggest in Africa.
The ongoing dispute involves countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan. Ethiopia argues that the dam will provide electricity to around 60% of its population, who currently live without power. However, Egypt fears that the dam will reduce the flow of the River Nile, which is crucial to its water supply and economy.
Ethiopia maintains that neighboring countries, including Sudan, will benefit from cheaper electricity, and Sudan itself is expected to see significant economic growth by 2060 through the agricultural sector.
Researchers predict Sudan's GDP could reach $84 billion by that time, thanks to the economic benefits brought by the dam. Other countries, such as South Sudan, Kenya, Djibouti, and Eritrea, are also keeping a close eye on the project.
Egypt has warned that even a 2% reduction in Nile water would leave over 80,000 hectares of irrigated land dry, causing a significant decline in agricultural output.
Since construction began in 2011, the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have tried to mediate negotiations, but these efforts have been futile. Ethiopia was initially prohibited from filling the dam, but it went ahead and began storing water.
On December 7, 2024, during the COP16 climate conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Egypt's Minister of Water Resources, Hani Sweilem, highlighted the lack of negotiations between the parties before building the dam, warning that the failure to reach an agreement could lead to tensions, economic impacts, and environmental damage.
Sweilem stressed that Egypt was acting in its own national interest and called on Sudan to join in preventing any action that could harm the Nile River. He also emphasized Egypt's commitment to supporting Sudan in water management initiatives.
Sudanese officials, including Dr. Mona Ali, the Secretary-General of the Sudanese High Council of Environment and Land, acknowledged the negative environmental impact of the dam, particularly in terms of water shortages.
Both ministers agreed on the importance of resolving water-related issues and called for further research into the environmental, economic, and broader impacts of major water projects to ensure that the rights of countries sharing water resources are respected.
IGIHE
