𝗘𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗮 𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 2018 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿, celebrating major 𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆

Addis Ababa, September 11, 2025 (FMC) —Ethiopia has welcomed the 2018 New Year, marking not just the passage of time but the dawn of a new era in the country’s national renewal trajectory.

The occasion comes as the nation reflects on a year of remarkable progress across multiple sectors and sets its sights on ambitious goals for the months ahead, demonstrating resilience, unity, and innovation.

The Ethiopian calendar, which runs approximately seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar, consists of twelve months of thirty days each and a thirteenth month of five or six days.

The New Year, celebrated in September, is both a cultural and national milestone, symbolizing the country’s rich heritage and forward-looking spirit. Locally, the New Year is also known as Enkutatash, which means “gift of jewels.” The name originates from a centuries-old tradition of presenting gifts of flowers and small tokens to celebrate the end of the rainy season and the beginning of a fresh, fruitful year, symbolizing renewal and hope.

In cities and villages alike, Ethiopians mark the occasion with festive gatherings, colorful ceremonies, church services, and community celebrations. Families exchange greetings and gifts, while children sing traditional songs and present bouquets of seasonal flowers. The day is both a celebration of Ethiopia’s cultural heritage and a moment to reflect on personal and national aspirations.

In his New Year message, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted the historic nature of this period, describing 2018 as a defining moment in Ethiopia’s journey of renewal. He celebrated the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as a symbol of national unity, resilience, and ambition. “The Dam proves that with a nation as vast as Ethiopia and a people as resilient as Ethiopians, there are no limits to what we can achieve,” he said, acknowledging the dedication of workers, security personnel, and communities whose collective effort brought the project to fruition.

The GERD, inaugurated on September 9, 2025, on the Abbay River near the Sudanese border, is Africa’s largest hydroelectric project. Its completion not only provides reliable electricity to support industrialization, urban development, and economic growth but also strengthens Ethiopia’s position as a regional energy leader. The grand project has become a focal point for diplomatic engagement, with Ethiopia emphasizing that the dam is intended to benefit all countries in the Nile Basin, fostering dialogue, cooperation, and shared prosperity.

Beyond energy, Ethiopia has advanced in infrastructure development, laying the foundation for more integrated economic growth. Urban and rural corridor development projects connecting industrial parks, urban centers, and rural production zones have enhanced logistics, trade, and mobility. Road networks have expanded, facilitating access to remote areas, supporting local economies, and opening new avenues for investment.

Special economic zones and industrial parks across the country have attracted businesses and encouraged manufacturing, positioning Ethiopia as a regional hub for production and exports.

Agriculture has remained a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s development agenda. Programs promoting modern farming techniques, irrigation expansion, and support for smallholder farmers have strengthened production and food security.

Complementing these efforts, the Green Legacy initiative has continued to restore degraded lands, improve livelihoods, boost food security, create jobs, bringing Ethiopians closer, and respond to climate change impacts through large-scale tree planting campaigns, engaging communities nationwide and promoting environmental sustainability.

These initiatives not only safeguard natural resources but also encourage citizen participation in the country’s transformation.

In the field of technology and digital services, Ethiopia has made significant strides. National identification programs and digital public services have enhanced governance and transparency, while ICT development has opened new opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and youth engagement. Efforts to expand broadband access and digital literacy programs have contributed to bridging the digital divide, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Social development has also progressed steadily. Education and healthcare initiatives have broadened access to essential services, strengthened institutional capacity, and improved the quality of life for citizens. Public service reforms have emphasized efficiency, citizen-centered service delivery, and enhanced accountability, reflecting Ethiopia’s commitment to inclusive growth and participatory governance.

Tourism, culture, and heritage promotion have showcased Ethiopia’s rich history and diverse landscapes to the world. Efforts to preserve historical sites, promote cultural festivals, and enhance tourism infrastructure have positioned the country as a destination for both cultural appreciation and economic opportunity.

Diplomacy and regional cooperation have also been a central focus. Ethiopia has actively engaged in multilateral forums, strengthened bilateral partnerships, and promoted peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. Initiatives in trade, energy cooperation, and regional integration demonstrate Ethiopia’s leadership and commitment to shared prosperity on the continent.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed encouraged all Ethiopians to contribute their creativity, energy, and skills to sustain the momentum of national development. “What will truly transform Ethiopia is the speed, creativity, and dedication of its children,” he said, emphasizing that collective effort, perseverance, and vision are key to the country’s continued growth. He expressed gratitude to all who contributed to national projects, underscoring that cooperation and shared commitment remain central to Ethiopia’s path forward.

Looking ahead, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed outlined a bold wave of national projects during his GERD inauguration speech on September 9, signaling the next chapter in Ethiopia’s development journey. These include the construction of a mega nuclear power plant, a new airport set to become Africa’s largest aviation hub, investments in oil and gas, a fertilizer production plant, and a nationwide housing initiative to build over a million homes. The Prime Minister emphasized that revenues from the GERD will be reinvested to fuel these projects, reinforcing Ethiopia’s path toward energy independence, industrialization, and broader economic growth.

As Ethiopia steps into the 2018 New Year, the country celebrates a period of transformation and renewal.

Guided by a clear vision for sustainable development, unity, and prosperity, Ethiopians embrace this new era in their national renewal trajectory with hope, determination, and collective ambition, while honoring centuries-old traditions that celebrate the gifts of life, community, and opportunity.