The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) has congratulated Ethiopia on the commissioning of its hydroelectric dam, saying it is Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam, inaugurated on the 9th of September 2025. ITUC-Africa described the inauguration as historic and a milestone, not just a national triumph but a continental inspiration.
A statement by the General Secretary of ITUC-Africa, Comrade Joel Odigie, “Ethiopia’s achievement demonstrates Africa’s capacity to harness its abundant natural resources to power its development through public pathways, ensuring that energy remains a common good and not a commodity monopolised for profit.
“The clean energy generated will not only propel Ethiopia’s industrialisation but will also contribute to the continent’s broader commitment to climate justice and a just transition.”
He said by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and expanding access to sustainable energy, Ethiopia is showing that development and decarbonisation can go hand in hand.
Odigie stressed that the move is a step towards building resilient economies that prioritise workers, communities, and the environment.
“As ITUC-Africa, we commend this bold leap of faith. We hope that this feat inspires other African nations to accelerate their efforts towards energy sovereignty.
“This aligns with our call to Reclaim and Restore Public Pathways, a vision that demands renewable energy systems
that are publicly owned, equitably distributed, democratically governed, and anchored in social justice.
“Importantly, ITUC-Africa stresses that energy sovereignty and just transition must always be anchored in International Labour Standards (ILS).
“Workers who build, operate, and sustain these energy infrastructures must have their rights protected, their voices heard, and their working conditions improved,” Odigie said.
The ITUC-Africa Scribe emphasised the importance of freedom of association, collective bargaining, occupational safety and social protection, saying they are not optional.
“They are prime; without rights, there can be no justice in transition.
“We remain conscious of the concerns expressed by the Arab Republic of Egypt regarding possible impacts on water flow during crucial irrigation seasons.
“These concerns must not be dismissed. We therefore urge the governments of Ethiopia and Egypt to pursue constructive
dialogue and engineer mutually acceptable coping and mitigation strategies, guided by solidarity, fairness and Pan-African cooperation.
“This achievement is a powerful reminder that Africa’s future lies in reclaiming sovereignty over its resources and pursuing development pathways rooted in justice, equity, sustainability, and the primacy of workers’ rights,” he stated.
ITUC-Africa also called on African states to seize the momentum, deepen their commitment to just transition, uphold ILS, and accelerate the building of sustainable, sovereign, and publicly driven energy systems that work for people and the planet.