Ethiopia has demonstrated significant progress across multiple key sectors of its economy over the past nine months, according to recent reports from government ministries. The nation has seen notable advancements in digital transformation and workforce development, a surge in its tourism sector, and substantial contributions from agriculture to overall economic growth. These achievements were highlighted during a third-quarter performance review attended by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
The Ministry of Innovation and Technology reported considerable strides in Ethiopia's digital transformation and workforce development initiatives. Minister Belete Molla emphasized the successful implementation of a comprehensive macroeconomic policy aimed at strengthening digital infrastructure, fostering innovation, and generating employment opportunities. Key objectives included advancing digital operations, expanding infrastructure, and cultivating a modern, innovation-driven ecosystem. Strategic partnerships with private companies, government bodies, and international organizations have played a crucial role in driving these initiatives.
A significant milestone has been the widespread adoption of digital payment platforms like CBEBirr and TeleBirr, which have processed nearly 800 billion birr in transactions, contributing to reduced currency printing costs and a stronger digital economy. Furthermore, the two telecom providers, EthioTelecom and Safaricom, have been instrumental in expanding digital infrastructure and connectivity, leading to increased mobile usage and internet penetration nationwide. The rollout of the Digital ID system under the Fayda Project has also registered over 14 million citizens, marking a notable advancement in digital governance. In terms of workforce development, the "5 Million Ethio-Coders" initiative has provided training to 688,000 Ethiopians since its launch last July, with 270,000 already receiving international certifications, enhancing their competitiveness in the global tech industry. These efforts are also designed to support entrepreneurship, startup growth, and the creation of new economic opportunities.
Meanwhile, Ethiopia's tourism sector has experienced unprecedented growth in the past nine months, with significant progress in both conference tourism and destination development, according to Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa. The sector has received exceptional government attention, resulting in a notable increase in international, continental, and regional events hosted in the country, with over 60 major conferences held during this period—a significant rise compared to the previous year.
This momentum is attributed to the government's strategic focus on infrastructure development, enhanced diplomatic engagement, and coordinated institutional support aimed at expanding conference tourism and promoting Ethiopia's image globally. Major developments have also taken place in the restoration and expansion of tourism sites, alongside new destination development initiatives like the ‘Dine for the Nation’ and ‘Dine for the Generation’ projects. International promotion efforts are gaining traction, including a recent agreement in Prague to promote Ethiopia as the “Land of Origins” and active participation in Berlin’s international tourism event.
Adding to the positive economic outlook, Minister of Agriculture Girma Amente underscored the immense contribution of the agriculture sector to the country's overall economic growth. During the past nine months, the sector has seen substantial progress, with 20.5 million hectares of land covered with seeds during the Mehir farming season, a 3 million hectare increase compared to the previous year. The nation has also produced 152 million quintals of wheat this year. The agriculture sector is projected to contribute 6.1 percent to the country's national growth plan of 8.4 percent. Significant successes have also been achieved in livestock development through the Bounty of the Basket initiative, with impressive production levels in milk, eggs, chicken, honey, and fish. These positive achievements in agriculture have contributed to easing the cost of living and inflation, and the sector has enabled the country to secure 2.6 billion USD in export trade over the past nine months.
These reports collectively paint a picture of robust economic activity and progress across key sectors in Ethiopia, signaling positive momentum for the nation's development goals.