President Taye Outlines Ambitious National Development Agenda for 2018 E.C.

Addis Ababa, October 6, 2025 (FMC) — President Taye Atske Selassie has unveiled an ambitious and comprehensive development agenda for the 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year (E.C.), focusing on natural resource utilization, infrastructure expansion, agricultural modernization, and tourism development.

Delivering his keynote address at the joint opening session of the House of People’s Representatives and the House of Federation today, the President reviewed Ethiopia’s recent achievements and laid out strategic priorities for the year ahead.

President Taye stated that Ethiopia has successfully overcome existential challenges, demonstrating resilience and unity that enabled the completion of several mega projects. Among the country’s proudest accomplishments, he highlighted the expansion of the Green Legacy Initiative, which continues to strengthen environmental sustainability and community participation nationwide.

He further noted the country’s progress in harnessing its natural resources, emphasizing the milestone achievement of initiating liquefied natural gas extraction for the first time in Ethiopia’s history. The President also described the successful completion and inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as a monumental symbol of national determination and self-reliance.

Looking forward, President Taye announced a series of large-scale initiatives designed to accelerate economic transformation and improve citizens’ livelihoods. In the agricultural sector, the upcoming establishment of a large fertilizer production plant is expected to revolutionize farming practices and advance Ethiopia’s goal of achieving food self-sufficiency.

On the energy front, he revealed that a 1,000-megawatt power generation project utilizing gas and oil is currently under development—an important step toward diversifying the country’s energy mix and strengthening economic resilience.

Addressing housing and infrastructure needs, the President said the government will intensify efforts to alleviate housing shortages through state-led programs and public-private partnerships. In rural areas, he added, initiatives will focus on expanding access to clean water, electricity, transportation, and road networks to promote equitable growth.

Tourism development will also remain a key priority, with plans to expand tourist destinations, preserve cultural and natural heritage, and enhance air transport infrastructure to improve accessibility and global competitiveness.

“We are not only focusing on urban development,” President Taye emphasized, “but are equally committed to uplifting rural communities.”

He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to strengthening critical sectors such as irrigation, water, energy, and transport, adding that the continued expansion of roads, air and rail networks, and logistics systems will sustain Ethiopia’s economic momentum. He also stressed the importance of equitable infrastructure distribution to ensure that all regions share in the country’s development gains.

As part of the broader national plan, President Taye underscored additional priorities aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable growth. He announced that new power plants will be constructed to achieve universal electricity access nationwide while also generating surplus energy for export, contributing to regional energy integration and cooperation.