AMN Plus-February 09/2026
Ethiopia is widely known as “the Beacon of African Freedom” and the “Center of Pan-Africanism.” These titles did not emerge by chance; they are rooted in the country’s historic and tangible contributions to Africa over many generations in the Continent
Ten(10) major contributions Ethiopia has made to the African continent:
1. The Victory of Adwa and the Symbol of Anti-Colonial Resistance (1896)
In 1896, Ethiopia defeated the European colonial power Italy at the Battle of Adwa. This historic victory proved to Black people across the world that colonial powers were not invincible. The triumph inspired numerous liberation movements in Africa and the Caribbean. February, the month in which the victory occurred, is still commemorated in many countries as a symbol of Black resistance and victory month.
2. Founder and Host of the Organization of African Unity (OAU)
In May 1963, under the leadership of Emperor Haile Selassie, 32 independent African countries gathered in Addis Ababa and established the Organization of African Unity (OAU). Currently is named as, the African Union (AU), continues to be headquartered in Addis Ababa, affirming Ethiopia’s central diplomatic role in the continent.
3. The Pan-African Colors (Green, Yellow, Red)
The colors of the Ethiopian flag became symbols of freedom and sovereignty across Africa. More than twenty African countries, including Ghana, Senegal, and Cameroon, adopted these colors in their national flags after gaining independence.
4.Ethiopia’s Support for Nelson Mandela and the Anti-Apartheid Struggle Movement
Ethiopia provided political, military, and diplomatic support to South African freedom fighters. Nelson Mandela received military training in Ethiopia in the early 1960s and reportedly traveled using an Ethiopian passport, strong evidence of Ethiopia’s commitment to the anti-apartheid cause.
5.Ethiopia’s Contribution in Training Freedom Fighters and Media Support
Liberation movements from Zimbabwe, Namibia, Angola, and other countries received training and shelter in Ethiopia. Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (Ethiopian Radio) broadcast messages of liberation and resistance across Africa via shortwave transmissions.
6. Major Contributor to Peacekeeping Operations
Ethiopia is one of Africa’s leading contributors to UN and AU peacekeeping missions. Ethiopian peacekeepers have served in South Sudan, Sudan (Abyei), Somalia, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and other countries, often making great sacrifices for peace in the Continent.
7. Ethiopian Airlines : A Pride of Africa
Ethiopian Airlines connects Africa to the world and Africans to one another. Frequently recognized as Africa’s best airline, it has helped make Addis Ababa a major continental aviation hub.
8. The Abbay(Nile) River and Regional Power Interconnection
Ethiopia is the source of about 85% of the waters of the Abay (Nile) River, which is vital to Sudan and Egypt. Through the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Ethiopia is also supplying electricity to neighboring countries such as Djibouti, Kenya, and Sudan, strengthening regional cooperation.
9. Legal Defense of African Peoples (South West Africa Case)
Together with Liberia, Ethiopia filed a case against South Africa at the International Court of Justice over its illegal occupation of Namibia. This legal battle in the 1960s played a key role in exposing apartheid and advancing international condemnation of the system.
10. Green Legacy Initiative
Ethiopia’s nationwide tree-planting campaign, planting billions of seedlings to combat climate change, has become a model for Africa. The initiative also supports the continental Great Green Wall project, aimed at restoring degraded lands.
By Birhanu Workneh
