Addressing the ceremony in Addis Ababa, Kiir said South Sudan looks forward to signing an agreement with Ethiopia to import power from the dam.
He described the project as a beacon of opportunity for his young nation, where electricity shortages remain one of the biggest obstacles to development.
“This will bring power to our towns, villages, schools, hospitals, and open new opportunities for South Sudanese,” Kiir told the gathering, hailing Ethiopia for what he called a symbol of “unity, sacrifice and determination.”
The South Sudanese leader praised the Ethiopian government and its citizens for completing Africa’s largest hydroelectric facility, calling them “brothers and sisters” with whom South Sudan shares history, friendship, and a common destiny.
“We believe that the progress of one nation is the progress of all. Together we can turn our challenges into opportunities, peace, stability, and growth,” he added, according to the statement circulated by the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services, signalling Juba’s readiness to deepen ties with Addis Ababa.
Kiir’s remarks were warmly received at an event that showcased Ethiopia’s ambition to transform itself into a regional power hub despite years of diplomatic wrangling with downstream neighbours Egypt and Sudan.
South Sudan runs on one of the least developed electricity infrastructures in the world, operated by the Juba Electricity Distribution Company (JEDCO) using diesel-powered generators. An energy deal with Ethiopia represents a potential lifeline for its economy and social services.
In February this year, Uganda and South Sudan entered a partnership on the South Sudan–Uganda Power Interconnection Project (SUPIP), a significant undertaking to construct a 299-kilometre (km) 400kV high-voltage transmission line connecting Olwiyo in Uganda to Gumbo in South Sudan.
The goal is to integrate South Sudan into the East African Power Pool (EAPP), bringing reliable, affordable electricity to South Sudan and enabling cross-border energy trade.
The $153 million project funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the European Union (EU) includes new and upgraded substations and distribution networks, with construction slated to begin in 2026.
A deal with Ethiopia following the launch of the GERD means South Sudan’s diverse energy development options.
