• Inaugurations and Project Launches
April was marked by the unveiling of several landmark projects across multiple sectors. The Prime Minister inaugurated a research complex at the Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI), featuring 40 laboratories and a bioequivalence centre to certify locally produced medicines.
In urban development, April served as a milestone month for physical and digital infrastructure development. The Arada Park project represents a profound urban transformation, reimagining a 40-hectare area once characterized by neglected and hazardous housing into a premier multi-purpose destination through a masterclass in integrated infrastructure and land-use efficiency that included the renovation of over 700 existing homes to uplift the local community. This was joined by the inauguration of the Addis Sports Park, a 5.7-hectare facility featuring Olympic-standard sports infrastructure, statues honouring 15 gold medallists, and 105 commercial shops built specifically for relocated residents.
The nation’s energy capacity saw a major boost with the inauguration of the Assela Wind Farm (100MW) and the launch of the Toyo Phase 2, Origin, and Lumintech solar factories in Hawassa, which together will generate 11.3 gigawatts of clean energy annually alongside the new HZ Gas plant.
In tourism, the Haroo Dendi Lodge was officially opened under the Dine for Generation initiative to promote high-end eco-tourism. Finally, the MESOB Mobile Bus Service was launched as a mobile government hub to bring essential public services, such as ID registration and licensing, directly to citizens.
• Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Appointed as AU Champion for AI and Digital Health
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali has been appointed as the African Union Champion for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health, a role that recognizes his leadership in advancing innovation and digital transformation as key tools for sovereignty, efficiency, and inclusive growth across Africa. This continental appointment highlights the significant progress Ethiopia has made in digitization under his active leadership.
.Macroeconomic Reform and Performance Review
The Prime Minister presided over the third 100-day review and a nine-month performance report, which revealed a 9.2% economic growth rate, projected to reach 10.2% in the coming year. The report detailed a successful transition where state-owned enterprises moved from multi-billion-birr losses to generating 2.1 trillion birr in revenue. Central to this progress is a reform agenda that prioritizes the private sector as a driver of growth, supported by new financing mechanisms like capital markets and expanded public-private partnerships.
• Industrial Strategy
In high-level interviews, the Prime Minister outlined a vision for Industry 4.0, emphasizing a shift toward chips and data through AI and robotics to enhance national sovereignty. He highlighted the success of the “Ethiopia Tamrit” (Let Ethiopia Produce) movement, which has increased industrial park occupancy to 88% by replacing imported goods with local production. Crucially, he identified peaceful maritime access as a “survival issue,” noting that Ethiopia’s landlocked status adds significant logistics costs that hinder global competitiveness.
• Social Development and Environmental Leadership
During the “Social Development for Nation Building” forum, the government reported the creation of over 19.8 million jobs over the last eight years and the implementation of a more credible educational curriculum. The health sector also saw the revision of a 30-year-old policy to better balance preventive and curative services. On the environmental front, Ethiopia began early preparations for hosting COP32 in 2027, with the Prime Minister convening a National Steering Committee to ensure alignment with national green growth goals.
• Diplomacy and Regional Governance
Diplomacy and Strategic Partnerships
Ethiopia hosted the Presidents of Burundi, Liberia, South Sudan, and Mozambique for official visits, resulting in several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) covering defence, health, education, and digital infrastructure. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also met with the European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships, the President of Afrexim Bank, and Portugal’s Minister of State and Foreign Affairs. Furthermore, the Prime Minister received the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Djibouti to discuss ongoing bilateral cooperation and met with the Director General of Africa CDC regarding his role as the AU Champion for AI and Digital Health.
Domestically, the Prime Minister met with Lt. Gen. Tadesse Worede, President of the Tigray Region Interim Administration, to review the annual report and officially extended his appointment for another year. The month concluded with a celebration of the Easter (Fasika) holiday, where the Prime Minister hosted a community breakfast and shared goods with low-income staff.
