Ethiopia inaugurates Megech Irrigation Project in Gondar

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama officially inaugurated the Megech Irrigation Development Project in Gondar, Ethiopia. The project, which involves a massive dam and reservoir, was designed to transform regional agriculture and water security.

The project originally commenced 18 years ago but stalled for many years before being revived and completed by Prime Minister Abiy’s government over the last three years. Spanning 870 hectares with a storage capacity of 185 million cubic metres, the facility is expected to irrigate 17,000 hectares of farmland, significantly boosting food security and productivity.

In addition to agricultural support, the dam will provide a reliable supply of clean, potable water to the city of Gondar and its surrounding satellite towns. Prime Minister Abiy noted that the resulting artificial lake could also foster fisheries, urban agriculture, and tourism, creating job opportunities for local youth. President Mahama commended the resilience of the Ethiopian people in delivering the transformative infrastructure.

President Mahama’s visit precedes the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa in Bahir Dar, which he is scheduled to chair. The forum will host African leaders and security experts to discuss peace, governance, and security challenges across the continent.