(ADDIS ABABA) – South Sudan is preparing to sign an agreement with Ethiopia to receive electricity from the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), in a move expected to expand access to energy across the country and stimulate growth in key sectors.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit announced the plan on 9 September 2025 while attending the official inauguration of the dam in Addis Ababa, alongside Ethiopia’s Prime Minister. He said the project will allow South Sudan to bring power to towns, villages, schools, hospitals, and industries that are currently underserved.
“This will open new opportunities for South Sudanese,” President Kiir said in his remarks, highlighting the dam’s importance as both an infrastructure milestone and a symbol of cooperation in the region. He praised Ethiopia’s achievement, calling the GERD not just a project but “a symbol of unity, sacrifice and determination.”
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Africa’s largest hydroelectric plant, has a generating capacity of over 6,000 megawatts. South Sudan currently faces some of the lowest electricity access rates globally, with fewer than 10 percent of households connected to formal power grids. Importing power from Ethiopia could ease reliance on costly diesel generators and support plans to expand national infrastructure.
According to the Ministry of ICT and Postal Services, the government views access to electricity as critical to reducing business costs, enabling industrial activity and improving living standards. Reliable and affordable energy is expected to enhance trade, education, and healthcare, while also attracting investment in sectors such as manufacturing, agro-processing and services.
| Energy Access in South Sudan (2025) | Estimated Level |
|---|---|
| Population connected to grid | Less than 10 percent |
| Primary source of power | Diesel generators and small scale solar |
| Expected benefit of GERD power | Lower energy costs, wider access, support for industry and services |
Kiir also pointed to the broader regional significance of the agreement.
“Ethiopians are not just neighbours but brothers and sisters, and we share history, friendship and a common future,” he said.
He added that the success of one nation contributes to the progress of others, pointing to the potential of regional cooperation to deliver peace, stability, and growth.
South Sudan has long struggled with energy shortages, which hinder economic diversification and limit the capacity of businesses to scale. Importing power from Ethiopia is expected to provide a more stable supply and complement ongoing efforts to develop domestic renewable energy. Analysts say that if structured effectively, the agreement could help South Sudan reduce energy costs, improve productivity, and lay the foundation for industrial zones.
The government is expected to formalise the power sharing arrangement in the coming months, according to the ICT Ministry. The deal could mark one of the most significant steps in South Sudan’s post independence history toward addressing chronic power deficits and unlocking economic potential through regional integration.
