Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed announced last night that Ethiopia has achieved "astonishing" and "truly miraculous" victories over the past seven years, despite confronting numerous formidable challenges.
In the first installment of a special four-part interview reflecting on his government's activities and future trajectory, the prime minister asserted that these very challenges served as catalysts, enabling the nation to unlock its inherent potential.
Dr. Abiy drew a sharp contrast between Ethiopia's institutional capabilities before the reform period and their current, significantly enhanced state, particularly in defense, security, and cybersecurity. He underscored that the substantial capacity built in these areas has made Ethiopia's ability to defend its sovereignty "unmatched in competition." He added, "It's not just because we have 130 million people... I doubt Ethiopia would have developed to this extent if those challenges had not emerged."
He cited the Information Network Security Administration (INSA) as a key example, noting its significant capacity development in identifying and countering widespread virtual attacks that followed the reform. "We can fully protect our sovereignty from any force," he affirmed, explaining that this robust posture is a direct outcome of diligent work amid adversity.
The Prime Minister also highlighted successful initiatives launched during the COVID-19 pandemic. Defying predictions of widespread famine, his administration prioritized food security, stating, "We shouldn't close our doors and perish from hunger; the land shouldn't go to bed hungry." This led to the expansion of agricultural activities, resulting in two or even three harvests annually, which significantly bolstered Ethiopia's food supply. He also credited Ethiopian Airlines' innovative adaptation during the pandemic, successfully pivoting to cargo transportation to sustain operations.
Direct Engagement Key to Project Success
Dr. Abiy emphasized that the government's unwavering dedication and consistent results will continue until the foundation for Ethiopia's prosperity is firmly established. He acknowledged that achieving desired outcomes demands persistent diligence and effort and that "shortcuts won't yield the desired results."
Challenging traditional leadership approaches, where leaders often remain in their offices detached from ground realities, leading to inaccurate reports, Dr. Abiy advocated for direct engagement. He noted that tasks are swiftly executed in areas where committed leaders provide firsthand supervision.
"By going to the ground and personally monitoring projects, much is learned," he explained. While acknowledging that this hands-on, motivating oversight can be tiring, he deemed it essential. "In this manner, there is no project we have started, conceived, and not completed," he declared.
He elaborated that his administration envisions and undertakes projects that initially seem "unbelievable and beyond our capacity." However, he stressed that their effective leadership and diligent monitoring ensure these ambitious projects are brought to completion.
Reaffirming his commitment, Prime Minister Abiy stated, "We will undoubtedly deliver on our pledge to lay the foundation for Ethiopia's prosperity." He concluded by asserting, "We have the vision, and not just the vision, but also the diligence to execute it. With our people, the dedication and results will continue until we lay the foundation for Ethiopia's prosperity."