Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has directly linked the pervasive issue of corruption in Ethiopia to the practice of bribery, asserting that the "door to corruption is opened by the bribes given by the business community itself." His remarks came during an extensive dialogue with representatives of the business community, where he addressed their concerns and outlined government efforts to foster a more transparent and efficient economic environment.
In a candid exchange, PM Abiy explained that implementing modern, automated systems is crucial to curbing illicit activities and significantly enhancing efficiency in service delivery. He noted that many federal ministries are already transitioning to automated services, with similar initiatives actively being rolled out in regional cities to streamline processes and reduce opportunities for malfeasance.
Addressing questions about governmental corruption, the Prime Minister offered examples of transparent public projects, citing the Awari corridor development, which he stated was built with funds directly obtained from book sales. He made a direct appeal to the business community, urging them to actively participate in the fight against corruption by providing critical information and tips, underscoring that "corruption can be significantly reduced through cooperation."
The Prime Minister also delved into challenges related to service quality and speed, attributing them to long-standing issues within the national education policy. As a solution, he proposed requiring higher education students to undertake mandatory industrial field practice to better prepare them for the demands of the job market. He also mentioned a system where graduates would work as volunteers for a period before transitioning into permanent employment.
Furthermore, in response to queries about peace and security, Prime Minister Abiy reaffirmed the government's openness to negotiate with armed groups and stressed the vital role the business community must play in contributing to stability. He concluded by emphasizing that such dialogues are essential for collaborative planning and forging a shared national vision, ultimately benefiting both the current generation and future Ethiopians.