PM Abiy hands over model rural villages, launches next phase of rural corridor dev’t

Addis Ababa, October 8, 2025 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed handed over model rural villages constructed under Ethiopia’s Rainy Season Voluntary Scheme in the Halaba and Kembatta zones in Central Ethiopia region, marking a new milestone in efforts to modernize rural living and improve farmers’ livelihoods.

The villages, built with the active participation of volunteers, are designed to demonstrate sustainable and dignified rural living. Each home is equipped with solar power, biogas systems for cooking, independent living quarters, toilets, and service areas. Dedicated animal shelters have also been built separately to enhance hygiene and improve household environments.

“These villages mark a promising beginning in transforming the lives of our farmers,” the Prime Minister said, emphasizing that the Rural Corridor Villages are part of a broader vision to raise living standards in Ethiopia’s countryside.

He noted that over the past seven years, the Rainy Season Initiative has provided housing for urban residents in need. “Now, through the Rural Corridors Initiative, we are extending this progress to rural areas,” he stated, calling on individuals, corporations, and members of the Ethiopian diaspora “to support and participate in these efforts to enhance farmers’ livelihoods.”

The Prime Minister also commended local leaders for completing the Hambericho Mountain stairs—an undertaking he had challenged them to accomplish during his last visit—praising their swift and successful completion through local initiative. “I commend the leadership who completed the Hambericho Mountain stairs, a challenge I set during my last visit, accomplished impressively in a very short time,” he remarked.

Looking ahead, Prime Minister Abiy urged regional and local administrations to build on this momentum by expanding the model villages to 100 houses per zone by next year through partnerships with various stakeholders.

The model villages form part of the government’s broader vision to integrate sustainability, innovation, and dignity into Ethiopia’s rural transformation agenda.