On March 29, 2025, ENA reported from Addis Ababa—






In partnership with Ethiopian embassies around the globe, the Ethiopian Diaspora Service (EDS) has initiated a fundraising effort aimed at collecting $3 million to aid in the final stages of constructing the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

During an exclusive interview with ENA, Ambassador Fistum Arega, who serves as the Director General of EDS, mentioned that the initiative has achieved significant advancement and is well on track towards achieving its objective by the set deadline of July 7, 2025.

As he stated, around $500,000 USD was mobilized just in the initial couple of weeks.

In the upcoming months, Ethiopia plans to formally open the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), signaling the nearing completion of the biggest hydroelectric power initiative in Africa.

Last week, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed told the Ethiopian House of People’s Representatives that the Grand Renaissance Dam (GERD) will be launched within the coming six months.

The dam, whose construction






began






Fifteen years ago, it was solely funded by the Ethiopian public and the contributions from the nation’s diaspora worldwide.

As such, the continuing





A resource mobilization campaign is being intensified and supported across Ethiopia.





He highlighted the missions and embassies of the nation across the globe.

Ambassador Fistum stated that the Diaspora Service is collaborating intensively with ambassadors, diplomats, and pertinent parties to accomplish this objective.

Ambassador Fistum commended the diaspora community for their continuous and substantial contributions, which include not only monetary aid but also active lobbying efforts.

Specifically, Fistum expressed their firm stance against external meddling in the dam’s filling procedure, demonstrating five years of support for Ethiopia.

According to a recent report, the Ethiopian diaspora community has contributed more than 10 million USD towards the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) over the last three years.

The Director General called for ongoing assistance from the expatriate community, emphasizing the vital part their donations will have during the last stage of building the dam.

The Ambassador likewise praised the efforts of the Ethiopian diaspora across various sectors such as investments, tourism, sharing of knowledge, national advocacy work, and combating unfavorable publicity about Ethiopia.