PM: Tanzania’s Julius Nyerere Dam project showcases Egypt’s growing soft power in Africa

Egypt's Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly highlighted Tanzania’s Julius Nyerere Dam project as a demonstration of Egypt's soft power in Africa during the inauguration ceremony on Friday. The Egyptian-led hydroelectric dam and power station, situated on the Rufiji River, is designed to meet Tanzania's growing electricity needs and enhance its power generation capacity. The project's completion is attributed to President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's continuous oversight and coordination during its various stages.

Madbouly emphasized that the success of the project is a result of close cooperation between the Egyptian and Tanzanian governments, with monthly progress reports submitted to the Egyptian leader. The Egyptian consortium comprising The Arab Contractors and Elsewedy Electric carried out the project under the supervision of the Egyptian government. The Julius Nyerere Dam project is one of Tanzania’s major strategic undertakings in the field of hydroelectric power generation.

The inauguration of the dam and station marks a significant milestone in Egyptian-Tanzanian cooperation, reflecting a broader scope of bilateral infrastructure and energy collaboration. Madbouly stressed that the project debunks claims that Egypt opposes development in the Nile Basin, asserting that Egypt supports development in the region to serve the interests of Egypt and Sudan, as the Nile water issue is of existential importance to Egypt.

Earlier on Friday, Madbouly led a high-level delegation from Egypt to Tanzania to attend the inauguration ceremony, along with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The visit underscores Egypt's commitment to strengthening intra-African cooperation and fostering successful strategic partnerships across the continent, all aimed at advancing sustainable development through joint projects in various sectors, thus contributing to the progress and prosperity of African nations.