June 13, 2025
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed conducted a comprehensive four-part televised interview, offering a detailed reflection on Ethiopia’s development path over the past six years. The series addressed the country’s economic trajectory, governance reforms, diplomatic engagements, national priorities, and the government’s approach to current challenges.
Part One: Ethiopian Identity, Political Participation, Leadership, and Overcoming Challenges Shaping Ethiopia’s Future
In the first segment of the televised interview, Prime Minister Abiy outlined key reflections on Ethiopian identity, political participation, and the importance of leadership in overcoming national challenges.
The Prime Minister emphasized that being Ethiopian is a shared identity that transcends background, profession, or belief. It means prioritizing the country’s long-term wellbeing over personal interests, honoring both Ethiopia’s history and its ongoing progress, and making sacrifices to safeguard the nation for future generations.
He stressed the importance of studying history objectively, learning from both its successes and failures without applying today’s standards to the past. Dwelling on nostalgia or resentment, he noted, limits growth. Instead, understanding the historical context allows for balanced lessons that can guide better decisions today.
Reflecting on the decision to invite exiled political parties to return, the Prime Minister said the aim was to broaden democratic participation during a time of economic and institutional strain. Despite the risks, the government believed all voices should be heard, giving the Ethiopian people the freedom to choose the ideas and leadership that would shape their future.
Some political groups that initially supported the government later withdrew. The Prime Minister explained this is a natural part of political life. Certain parties misunderstood the invitation, expecting to gain power quickly or exert influence behind the scenes. Others prioritized personal gain over national interest and failed to earn public trust. The government, however, remains committed to working with partners who sincerely contribute to Ethiopia’s progress.
Prime Minister Abiy noted that national challenges often reveal hidden strengths and can lead to significant growth. While fear is understandable, he emphasized that it should inspire action rather than hesitation. Ethiopia’s recent struggles—including the pandemic and conflicts—have driven improvements in defense, cybersecurity, and resilience, with examples such as Ethiopian Airlines’ continued growth during crises.
The Prime Minister also explained why he personally follows up on key national projects. Leaders with vision, he said, must remain closely engaged to ensure timely results and lasting impact. Personal oversight helps address challenges quickly and keeps projects on course, reflecting the government’s commitment to a prosperous future.
Part Two: Growth, Reform Ownership, and Balanced Sectoral Focus
In the second part of the interview, Prime Minister Abiy elaborated on the economic growth achieved under difficult circumstances. He explained that the government followed a three-stage reform process: economic relaxation, rapid development, and consolidation.
He acknowledged that while the cost of living remains a concern, inflation has been significantly reduced and export revenues have reached record levels, particularly in coffee and gold. Public sector salaries, particularly for lower-income employees, have been adjusted upward, alongside increased investments in health and education.
The Prime Minister clarified that the Homegrown Economic Reform was initiated in response to Ethiopia’s internal challenges and not imposed externally. While lessons were drawn from international partners, the reform was fundamentally shaped by Ethiopia’s specific conditions.
Responding to claims that the reform neglects industry in favor of services, Abiy emphasized that industrial development is a core component of the government’s strategy. He cited the establishment of over 385 factories and 13 industrial parks since 2018, with over 85 percent now operational. While the services sector has grown—particularly in digital services—the government continues to invest substantially in agriculture, mining, tourism, and manufacturing.
Part Three: Diplomacy, Self-Sufficiency, Youth Leadership, and National Narratives
The third segment focused on Ethiopia’s evolving diplomatic approach, national self-sufficiency, and efforts to foster unity.
Prime Minister Abiy explained that Ethiopia has adopted an interest-based, non-aligned diplomatic strategy guided by the “4As” framework: Active, Alternative, Adaptive, and Agenda Setter. This approach emphasizes neutrality, flexibility, and proactive engagement. The country’s membership in BRICS reflects its growing international presence, and institutional reforms within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are strengthening its capacity, with an emphasis on youth leadership and mentorship.
On food security, the Prime Minister noted that Ethiopia’s strategy now includes significant investment in lowland areas such as Southern Omo, Afar, and Somali regions, which had previously been underutilized. These areas are now contributing meaningfully to national food production, supporting the goal of achieving wheat self-sufficiency without reliance on imports.
Abiy stated that Ethiopia has markedly reduced its dependence on humanitarian aid, from 27 million people in need in 2021 to 3.9 million currently, through initiatives such as year-round farming, urban agriculture, and the expansion of poultry and livestock production.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of promoting inclusive national narratives that foster unity. He underscored that Ethiopia’s diversity must be managed responsibly to prevent division, with media, educational institutions, and religious organizations playing a constructive role.
Youth leadership was also a key point, with the Prime Minister highlighting the inclusion of young leaders in senior government positions to ensure intergenerational collaboration and prepare the next generation for national leadership.
Part Four: Governance, Human Rights, and the Path to Lasting Peace
In the final part of the series, Prime Minister Abiy addressed governance priorities, anti-corruption efforts, conflict resolution, human rights, and electoral preparations.
He outlined the government’s three-phase anti-corruption strategy, which includes eliminating high-level institutional theft, addressing petty corruption through transparent services such as the Mesob one-stop centers, and working to transform societal attitudes towards corruption over the long term.
Discussing urban development, Abiy emphasized the importance of corridor and riverbank projects that improve living conditions, reduce congestion, and create green public spaces. These initiatives aim to enhance the quality of life and set a model for urban renewal across Ethiopia.
The Prime Minister provided his perspective on the underlying causes of conflict, identifying the pursuit of power through illegitimate means and the rejection of peaceful competition as key drivers. He reiterated the government’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution through mechanisms such as the National Dialogue Commission and the Pretoria Peace Agreement.
On human rights, Abiy stressed that freedom of expression is protected, while criminal acts are prosecuted regardless of profession or position. Institutional torture has been abolished, and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission has been strengthened. The focus remains on building institutions that balance individual freedoms with the rule of law.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the growth of Ethiopia’s media landscape, with over 160 media organizations operating in more than 60 languages and TV ownership growing fivefold. He noted that while media freedom has expanded, challenges remain in ensuring balanced, responsible reporting, particularly in the digital space.
Looking ahead to the next national election, Abiy affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting a peaceful, credible, and democratic process. He encouraged all political parties to engage constructively and to focus on presenting their programs to the Ethiopian people.
Across the four-part interview, Prime Minister Abiy presented a comprehensive narrative of Ethiopia’s ongoing transformation, driven by economic reform, multi-sectoral development, technological advancement, self-reliance, and a bold foreign policy. He called on all Ethiopians to remain committed to sustaining these gains and to continue working towards building a prosperous, independent, and resilient nation.