Ethiopia advances climate action, rural transformation, diplomacy, and innovation in May, June
Addis Ababa, July 1, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia undertook a series of coordinated national initiatives in May and June 2025, advancing key priorities in climate action, rural development, international cooperation, technological innovation, and inclusive governance, according to the Office of the Prime Minister.
A major highlight was the official launch of the 2025 Green Legacy Initiative tree planting season under the theme “Renewal through Planting.” Held in the presence of Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima, senior Ethiopian officials, and members of the diplomatic corps, the event reaffirmed Ethiopia’s leadership role in continental climate action and environmental restoration. The annual campaign remains a central pillar of the country’s long-term resilience agenda.
In the rural sector, the government expanded the Rural Corridor Development Initiative, which is designed to improve agricultural productivity and living conditions in underserved areas. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated model village construction projects in the Central Ethiopia Region, using locally sourced materials to provide affordable housing for farmers. Simultaneously, large-scale irrigation, high-yield maize seed multiplication, and diversified crop cultivation are transforming previously flood- and drought-affected areas into hubs of sustainable rural growth.
According to a summary of the government’s key engagements over the past two months, the PM Office noted that Ethiopia’s diplomatic outreach also intensified during the two months. Prime Minister Abiy held discussions with Nigerian business magnate Aliko Dangote, focusing on investment opportunities aligned with national development goals.
Talks with U.S. AFRICOM Commander General Michael Langley addressed regional security cooperation, while a meeting with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi covered ongoing collaboration in cancer care, veterinary health, and nuclear technology.
In recognition of long-standing international partnerships, the Prime Minister awarded the Ethiopia Special Order—the nation’s highest honor—to philanthropist Bill Gates. The award acknowledged the Gates Foundation’s 25 years of impactful work in Ethiopia across health, agriculture, digital identity, and innovation.
May and June also saw Ethiopia emphasizing inclusive dialogue and national consultation. Prime Minister Abiy convened a broad spectrum of stakeholders—including leaders of political parties, academics, artists, teachers, health professionals, and media representatives—for sectoral discussions. These engagements aimed to identify opportunities, address institutional gaps, and foster a culture of constructive political discourse.
Technology and innovation featured prominently with the launch of the Permanent Exhibition Section at the Science Museum in Addis Ababa. Exhibits focused on artificial intelligence, climate science, agriculture, hydropower, aviation, and Ethiopia’s innovation ecosystem. The launch also included the opening of Ethiopia’s first state-of-the-art Planetarium Dome, a 36-meter-wide structure equipped with immersive 4K digital projection capable of accommodating over 200 visitors.
To reflect on the country’s path, Prime Minister Abiy granted a wide-ranging, four-part interview to local media. The series reviewed Ethiopia’s seven-year journey, covering achievements and challenges across multiple sectors, and outlined priorities for peace, prosperity, and long-term development.
Taken together, the events of May and June 2025 mark a period of active engagement by the Ethiopian government, with a coordinated push across environmental, economic, diplomatic, technological, and governance fronts aimed at advancing the country’s transformation agenda.