Ethiopian Officials Reject Trump's Claims on Dam Funding

An Ethiopian official has labeled Trump's remarks as false while reiterating the country's independence in funding the controversial hydroelectric project.

An Ethiopian deputy official has refuted former President Donald Trump's claims that the United States financially supported the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), asserting that such statements are misleading and harmful. Trump previously stated that the dam—Africa's largest hydroelectric facility—was funded largely by U.S. contributions, a claim that has sparked diplomatic tension with both Egypt and Sudan, who fear the project's impact on their water supply from the Nile River.

Fikrte Tamir, the deputy director at the Gerd Coordination Office, told reporters that the dam was developed purely through Ethiopian government financing and private contributions from the public, dismissing Trump's assertions as “non-factual.” The GERD has been a source of national pride for Ethiopia since its conception 14 years ago, despite facing significant opposition from upstream neighbors concerned over water scarcity.

The Ethiopian authorities have consistently communicated that the construction of the dam was a national effort funded through local resources. The project has also received significant grassroots financial support, with reports indicating contributions totaling 1.7 billion birr ($12.3 million) from the public in the past year alone.

Despite the political stakes involved, the Ethiopian government has refrained from officially addressing Trump’s remarks directly. However, Fikrte emphasized the importance of diplomatic channels to respond appropriately to misinformation. The GERD, which began generating electricity in 2022 and recently completed its construction, plays a crucial role in Ethiopia's vision of providing power to its population, approximately 60% of whom lack reliable electricity.

In previous comments, Trump has criticized the financing of the dam, labeling it a misstep and underscoring concerns raised by Egypt and Sudan regarding its implications for their access to Nile water. The project, initially expected to be completed in six years at a cost of $4 billion, has faced setbacks, culminating in delays and budget overruns. Nevertheless, it remains a focal point of Ethiopia's aspiration for energy independence and economic growth.