(ADDIS ABABA) – President Salva Kiir has announced that South Sudan will sign an agreement with Ethiopia to import electricity generated from the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which was officially inaugurated on Tuesday.
President Kiir made the announcement while attending the launch ceremony of the hydropower project in Ethiopia’s Benishangul-Gumuz region, near the border with Sudan. He was joined by other African and Caribbean leaders invited to mark the milestone achievement.
In his remarks, Kiir described the GERD as more than a power plant, calling it a “symbol of unity, sacrifice, and determination.” He praised Ethiopia for demonstrating what can be achieved when a nation mobilises around a shared vision.
“This dam is not a project but a symbol of unity, sacrifice, and determination. It shows what a nation can achieve when its people stand together with one vision,” he said.
The President highlighted the longstanding ties between South Sudan and Ethiopia, referring to the neighbouring country as “brotherly.” He noted that the new power import arrangement will provide South Sudan with reliable energy to support essential services.
“I am pleased to announce that South Sudan is looking forward to signing an agreement to receive power from the dam,” Kiir stated. “This will bring electricity to our towns, villages, schools, and hospitals, and open new opportunities for our people.”
South Sudan faces a major energy deficit, with most households and businesses relying on expensive diesel generators. Access to electricity in the country remains among the lowest in the world, which in turn has limited economic growth and social development.
The proposed deal with Ethiopia is expected to reduce South Sudan’s dependence on costly alternatives and help expand access to power in urban and rural areas. Analysts say the arrangement could also support industrialisation, improve education and health services, and create conditions for private sector growth.
Electricity costs in South Sudan currently remain prohibitive for most families.
President Kiir concluded his speech by congratulating the Ethiopian people on the completion of the dam, saying it would serve not only Ethiopia but the wider region.
The exact terms of the power import agreement, including pricing, supply volumes, and transmission infrastructure, are yet to be finalised.
If successful, the deal will mark a significant step towards addressing South Sudan’s chronic electricity shortages and deepening cooperation between the two countries.
