Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Africa’s largest hydroelectric project, will be open to organized visits from September 22, the Ministry of Tourism said on Monday.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) hinted during the inauguration ceremony that the dam was a national symbol that belonged to all Ethiopians and should be accessible to the public.

Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa announced that institutions and groups may begin registering visits from today. The arrangements will allow one-day trips, with visitors travelling in groups of 50 through Ethiopian Airlines.

She added that preparations are underway to build supporting infrastructure around the dam to facilitate tourism. Companies participating in the visits will also be able to showcase their products and services on site. Selamawit noted that the project offers investors and tourism stakeholders an opportunity to develop the GERD as a major tourism destination.

Officials noted that the project has drawn interest from both local and international audiences, who regard the dam as one of Ethiopia’s most significant undertakings.

Prime Minister Abiy said the GERD’s reservoir, which holds 74 billion cubic metres of water, has been named Nigat Lake, or Dawn Lake. Tourism specialists said its size and more than 70 islands, together with surrounding ecosystems and shoreline, create opportunities for water-based recreation and investment in lakeside accommodation, boating, and fishing.