April 04, 2025
Ethiopia is steadily positioning itself as a beacon of environmental sustainability, spearheading the Green Legacy Initiative (GLI). With ambitious goals to maximize green coverage, rehabilitate degraded lands, and actively engage society in reforestation campaigns, the initiative has redefined Ethiopia’s environmental image. Launched with the vision of transforming arid and degraded landscapes into fertile grounds for agriculture and forestry, the GLI has gone beyond mere greening to contribute significantly to climate change mitigation, job creation, and the promotion of a burgeoning green economy.
Under the stewardship of the GLI Technical Committee, Ethiopia has made tremendous progress. Over 40 billion seedlings have been planted to date, raising forest cover by 6%. Agroforestry schemes tied to the initiative have created thriving value chains in timber production, wild honey, spices, and more, while protecting essential ecosystems such as watersheds. The initiative’s efforts have also drawn attention from international stakeholders and regional neighbours, with nations such as Kenya adopting its practices. Moreover, Ethiopia’s influence in climate discussions, addressing critical issues like desertification and climate finance, reflects its growing role as a leader in sustainable development across Africa.
What sets Ethiopia apart is its comprehensive approach. The government has fostered collaborations among Ministries, the Ethiopian Forest Development Commission, and development organizations to achieve its green legacy goals. These efforts are further enhanced by a shift in societal attitudes, with youth and children leading the charge for environmental nationalism.
As Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative gains momentum, the potential for African nations to draw lessons is monumental. The integration of reforestation, job creation, and climate-smart agriculture showcases a sustainable development model that not only mitigates environmental degradation but also fosters economic resilience. By embracing this blueprint, Africa has the opportunity to address shared challenges, from food security to climate vulnerability.
Ethiopia’s vision for regional transformation extends beyond its borders. Through diplomatic channels, the Foreign Ministry has emphasized the importance of engaging Ethiopian Diaspora to support flagship projects like the Green Legacy Initiative. Their contributions in investment, tourism, technology transfer, and cultural promotion have bolstered Ethiopia’s green economy while enhancing its global image.
Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam, for instance, exemplifies renewable energy projects with shared benefits for riparian nations. Ethiopia’s leadership at global forums like COP29 and its commitments to the Paris Agreement demonstrate its dedication to equitable and inclusive climate solutions.
The Green Legacy Initiative has achieved remarkable milestones:
Seedlings Planted: Over 40 billion seedlings planted since its inception, surpassing the initial target of 20 billion.
Job Creation: More than 767,000 jobs created, with a focus on empowering women and youth.
Nurseries Established: Development of over 120,000 nurseries nationwide.
Forest Coverage: A 6% increase in Ethiopia’s forest cover.
Economic Impact: Agroforestry schemes have generated market value chains in timber, honey, spices, and other products.
Through knowledge sharing, scalable policies, and community-driven green initiatives, Ethiopia has set a precedent that the rest of Africa can emulate. In doing so, Ethiopia not only paves the way for its own environmental and economic success but also inspires a collective commitment to a greener, more sustainable continent.