March 25, 2015 - Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan reached a cooperation agreement in Khartoum on March 23 on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which is already under construction on the Blue Nile in Ethiopia. The deal between the three countries comes after works were halted due to concerns, especially from Egypt, that the project might negatively affect its water supply by reducing the capacity of the Nile.  Ethiopia – where the Blue Nile rises before joining with the White Nile in Khartoum, Sudan – has always said that the flow of the river would not be reduced, expressing its ambition to become an energy hub for the region, which has a severe need for power.

CEO Pietro Salini said: “The Grand Renaissance Dam" on the Nile is something our Group is hugely proud of. It was awarded to us by a great President of Ethiopia, who has transformed a country that was essentially agricultural into an energy exporter. We have picked up on this capacity – Ethiopia’s intrinsic strength – and managed to design many dams that are currently under construction or have been built.” Regarding the agreement, Mr Salini said: “I am quite simply proud and delighted that our company has succeeded in this. The agreement means that the surrounding countries will benefit from this enormous project, which brings peace, progress and trade, while putting an end to tensions and war.” 

Once completed, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam will be the largest dam in Africa. The project is worth €3.37 billion.