Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has revealed substantial progress in Ethiopia’s social safety net program, announcing that 23 million citizens have exited the safety net in the current fiscal year. This figure marks a significant development in the government's strategy aimed at enhancing food security and economic independence.
During a session with the House of Representatives focused on the 2017 budget, Ahmed addressed inquiries regarding the efficacy of government programs and their impacts on poverty alleviation.
He characterised the exit of 23 million Ethiopians from the safety net as “the most compelling demonstration of our resilience,” reflecting the tangible outcomes of recent policy initiatives designed to empower citizens economically.
The Prime Minister emphasised that the country is shifting its perspective on dependency, advocating for a model where Ethiopians do not rely on external aid or governmental handouts. “The belief that Ethiopia should not beg and that its children should cultivate their potential is bearing fruit,” he asserted, reinforcing the government's commitment to self-sufficiency.
Historically, approximately 27 million individuals had participated in the safety net program before this year. The Prime Minister articulated a focused effort on enhancing the agricultural sector as a strategic priority, indicating that agricultural advancement is key to enabling beneficiaries to transition out of reliance on state support. The government's agrarian reforms, coupled with targeted investments in agricultural productivity, aim to further support this transition, according to the Premier.
PM Abiy noted that this year’s achievement of freeing 23 million Ethiopians from the safety net underscores a broader national objective to secure food sovereignty. The government is striving to ensure that food production scales to meet the needs of the populace independently. “We cannot overlook the importance of nurturing our agricultural practices to achieve self-sufficiency," Abiy commented. He has set a benchmark to reduce the number of safety net beneficiaries by at least 4 million in the coming fiscal cycle.
This development raises important questions about the sustainability of agricultural reforms and their potential to maintain the momentum required for future exits from the safety net.
The Prime Minister's administration is preparing to roll out additional programs that will focus on agricultural training, access to markets, and credit facilities for farmers as part of this overarching strategy, per his address to the parliament.
The Minister of Agriculture and other key stakeholders in the sector are expected to play pivotal roles in actualising these goals while measuring the long-term impacts on food security and economic growth, the PM underscored. As discussions about the budget continue, emphasis will likely be placed on ensuring that funding is allocated effectively to maintain and expand these initiatives.
The Prime Minister's announcement signifies a critical shift in Ethiopia’s approach to social welfare and economic empowerment. While the exit of 23 million Ethiopians from safety net programs is celebrated as an achievement, the challenges ahead will require renewed commitment and innovative solutions to ensure these citizens remain on a path of self-sustainability and economic independence.