Ethiopia’s Dam Dispute: Why Egypt is Worried

Intermediate Level | May 20, 2025

✨ Read the article aloud on your own or repeat each paragraph after your tutor.

A River of Tension: Ethiopia, Egypt, and the Grand Dam Debate

At the recent African Union (AU) summit, a major topic wasn’t about war or trade, but water. Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam project has sparked new tensions with Egypt, and both countries brought their concerns to the AU meeting.

The Grand Renaissance Dam is one of Africa’s biggest infrastructure projects. Built on the Nile River, it promises to generate electricity for millions of Ethiopians. But Egypt is worried. That’s because the Nile is Egypt’s lifeline—it provides over 90% of the country’s fresh water.

Why the Dispute Matters

Egypt fears that Ethiopia might control how much water flows downstream. During dry years or political disagreements, Egypt worries it could receive less water. That could hurt farming, drinking water supplies, and power stations in Egypt.

Ethiopia says the dam is a matter of national pride and economic development. They insist it will help lift millions out of poverty. But Egypt believes more discussion is needed about how the dam will be filled and managed.

AU leaders at the summit encouraged both sides to cooperate and avoid conflict. Water doesn’t respect borders, they said, so neighbors must find ways to share it peacefully.

Vocabulary

Tension (noun): Mental or political strain or pressure
The discussion created tension between the countries.
Summit (noun): A high-level meeting between leaders
Leaders met at the summit to discuss shared problems.
Infrastructure (noun): Basic structures like roads and dams needed for a country to work
The dam is a major piece of Ethiopia’s infrastructure.
Lifeline (noun): Something essential for survival
The Nile is a lifeline for Egypt.
Downstream (adverb): In the direction the water flows
Egypt is downstream from the dam.
Dispute (noun): A disagreement or argument
There is a dispute over how the dam affects water flow.
Poverty (noun): The state of being very poor
Ethiopia hopes the dam can help reduce poverty.
Insist (verb): To strongly say something is true
Ethiopia insists the dam will not harm Egypt.
Encourage (verb): To support or motivate an action
The AU encouraged both countries to talk more.
Cooperate (verb): To work together for a shared goal
The leaders agreed to cooperate on water sharing.

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

Why is the Grand Renaissance Dam important to Ethiopia?
Why is Egypt worried about the dam?
What role did the African Union play in this situation?
How could the dam project impact people in both countries?
Do you think both countries can reach a peaceful agreement? Why or why not?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

What are some other examples of shared natural resources between countries?
How should nations handle disagreements over shared rivers?
Have you ever been involved in a disagreement over shared space or resources? What happened?
Do you think building large dams is good for the environment? Why or why not?
What are some creative ways countries can cooperate on big water projects?

Related Idiom

“Go with the flow”
Meaning: Accept things as they happen without trying to control everything.
Example: In international talks, it’s sometimes better to go with the flow than to argue every point.

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📚 Source: This article was inspired by reporting from Africanews

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