GERD Reservoir Boosts Ethiopia’s Economy with Doubled Fish Harvest

Ethiopia’s Benishangul-Gumuz Regional Agriculture Bureau reports fish harvest from Nigat Lake, the reservoir created by the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), reached 10,799 tons in the 2025/26 fiscal year. This represents more than a doubling of the previous year’s yield and demonstrates the dam’s growing economic impact beyond electricity production.

The Nigat Lake, named by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, now supports fisheries and tourism. Authorities note the lake’s 70+ islands also hold potential for inland water transport and improved ecological balance in the region.

Currently, 46 small-scale cooperative unions are fishing on the lake. The regional government plans to establish more fishing associations to expand the sector and create employment, focusing on opportunities for young people. The increased fish production showcases the GERD reservoir’s evolving role as an economic resource for Ethiopia.